Japanese-style Green Tomato Salad

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we transform the traditional Georgian Mtsvane pamidori into a Japanese-style salad by incorporating ingredients commonly used in Japanese Chinese cuisine. The original dish is typically prepared with Georgian spices and herbs, while this recipe embraces the flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil to create a fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Mtsvane pamidori, so you can check it out.

• 4 green tomatoes, thinly sliced 4 green tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (15ml) 1 tablespoon mirin (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml) 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (5g) 1 teaspoon sugar (5g)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (15g) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (15g)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
2. 2.
   Place the sliced green tomatoes in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Gently toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and green onions over the salad and toss lightly.
4. 4.
   Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green tomatoes — Make sure to choose firm and unripe green tomatoes for this recipe as they provide a tangy and crisp texture. Avoid using ripe red tomatoes as they will be too soft and sweet for this salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed roasted peanuts or crispy fried onions on top of the salad.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing according to your preference by adding more or less sugar and rice vinegar.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a small amount of finely chopped chili pepper or a drizzle of chili oil to the dressing.

Serving advice

Serve the Japanese-style Green Tomato Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or teriyaki chicken. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced green tomatoes on a platter and drizzle the dressing over them. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top for an attractive garnish. Serve the salad chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.