| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 13g | 2g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 5g | 4g | 0.9g |
Food, for me, has always been a personal canvas, a vibrant medium where I draw upon inspirations from my Japanese ancestry and my Pacific Northwest upbringing. And one dish that exemplifies this for me is the sumptuous Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing. An homage to the humble ingredients of my region and the flavors of East Asia, this dish balances healthy, wholesome eating with a robust flavor landscape that is unmistakably Asian.
Unexpected Love Affair with Cabbage
Beginning my culinary journey from a young age, my curiosity saw me appreciate the nuances of variety; the simplest of elements could cultivate the most intricate of flavors. The Chinese cabbage, which forms the cornerstone of this recipe, embodies this element of understated elegance. Slightly sweet, slightly peppery, this resilient leafy green doesn’t shy away from the charismatic sesame dressing, but rather takes it in stride, lending its delicate crisp texture to the overall experience. According to Healthline, Chinese cabbage is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that not only contribute to boosting our immunity but can have a multitude of other health benefits.
The Harmonization of Flavors
The beauty of the Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing lies in its melody of flavors and textures. Each ingredient, from the juicy crunch of the apple and cucumber to the soft sweetness of the carrot and orange, echoes a unique voice that contributes to the symphony of this dish. The final act, the unifying sesame dressing, weaves these voices together into a seamless harmony. The contrast of the nutty sesame oil’s richness with the tangy pop of rice vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of honey, creates a balance that encapsulates the very soul of Asian cuisine.
This salad may feel similar to the traditional Japanese sunomono, a vinegar-based cucumber salad, or even takes a fresh turn as a side to your favorite sushi rolls. It’s equally sensational served alongside grilled seafood – think salmon glazed with a teriyaki sauce, or a summer BBQ with Yakitori skewers. Ah, that’s another dish waiting to be explored!
In essence, the Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s an interpretation of culinary traditions and personal narratives. Each morsel tells a story – a story of heritage, passion, and a world of flavors, all coming together in a harmonious orchestra. And, more than anything, this is what makes me love it so much.
What You’ll Need
- 1 head of Chinese cabbage (about 500 g)
- 1 carrot
- 1 cucumber
- 1 apple
- 1 orange
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the vegetables and fruits. Wash the Chinese cabbage, carrot, cucumber, apple, and orange thoroughly. Slice the cabbage into thin strips. Peel the carrot and cucumber, and cut them into julienned strips. Core the apple, and cut it into thin slices. Lastly, peel the orange and cut it into round slices.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, apples, and oranges. Toss them together until well mixed.
Step Three
For the dressing, start by combining the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth dressing.
Step Four
To this dressing, add the sesame seeds and mix well. Ensure the sesame seeds are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
Step Five
Drizzle the dressing over the mixed vegetables and fruits in the large bowl. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed over the salad.
Step Six
Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well together. Serve this refreshing Chinese Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing immediately and enjoy the blend of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.
