20 Japanese Restaurant House Salad Dressing Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
House salads are a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served as a refreshing appetizer before the main course. However, it's not just the fresh vegetables and toppings that make Japanese salads stand out, but also the delicious dressing that accompanies it. If you've ever dined at a Japanese restaurant and wondered how they make their signature house salad dressing, you're in luck. In this article, we'll be sharing a simple yet authentic Japanese restaurant house salad dressing recipe that will elevate your salad game. So, get your ingredients ready and let's dive into the world of Japanese flavors.
Crisp and refreshing, Japanese cucumber salad is a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture.
2of 20
Food Babe's Japanese Restaurant Ginger Salad Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, White Onion, Ginger, White Miso Paste, Rice
If you love the ginger salad dressing served at Japanese restaurants, then you have to try Food Babe's version. Made with fresh ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and other simple ingredients, this dressing is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
This creamy and nutty dressing is a staple in Japanese households. Made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, it's the perfect accompaniment to any salad or as a marinade for meats.
Another delicious ginger-based dressing, this Japanese version combines the zing of fresh ginger with the savory flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a perfect dressing for a simple salad of greens and cucumbers.
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. This Japanese salad dressing is proof of that. Made with just four ingredients - soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and oil - it's a classic dressing that pairs well with any type of salad.
6of 20
Quick Japanese Cabbage Salad & Dressing
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Rice Vinegar, Canola Oil, Soy Sauce, Sesame
Crunchy and refreshing, this cabbage salad is a staple in Japanese homes. The dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, gives the salad a delicious umami flavor.
7of 20
Homemade Japanese sesame salad dressing
Main Ingredients: Sesame, Mayonnaise, Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of sesame, then you have to try this homemade Japanese sesame dressing. Made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, it's a creamy and nutty dressing that will elevate any salad.
8of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This simple and traditional Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a staple at Japanese restaurants. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a sweet and tangy dressing, it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
9of 20
Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
This salad may look simple, but it's bursting with flavor. The dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil, is the perfect balance of sweet and salty and will take your salad to the next level.
10of 20
Japanese Sesame Dressing (Restaurant Style)
Main Ingredients: Sesame Paste, Water, Soy Sauce, Cane Sugar, Rice
If you love creamy dressings, then you have to try this Japanese sesame dressing. Made with creamy mayo, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds, it's a rich and indulgent dressing that is perfect for a simple salad or as a dip for veggies.
11of 20
Japanese Restaurant Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Fresh Ginger, Shallot, Minced Onion, Rice
This salad is a perfect example of the delicious and healthy salads served at Japanese restaurants. The dressing, made with carrots, ginger, and rice vinegar, is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any salad.
12of 20
Carrabba’s House Salad Dressing (Creamy Parmesan)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Buttermilk, Minced
This dressing may not be Japanese, but it's definitely worth including on this list. The creamy parmesan dressing is a delicious and rich addition to any salad, and it's a perfect way to switch things up from the typical Japanese dressings.
13of 20
Japanese Cabbage Salad
Main Ingredients: Shredded Coleslaw Mix, Granulated Sugar, Light Soy
Another classic Japanese salad, this cabbage salad is made with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal.
14of 20
Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad)
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Salt, Sake, Mirin, Roasted White Sesame Seeds
This Japanese spinach salad, also known as gomae, is a popular side dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. The creamy sesame dressing is the perfect accompaniment to the blanched spinach, making it a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
This dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves the ginger dressing served at Japanese restaurants. Made with fresh ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, it's a zesty and flavorful dressing that will take your salad to the next level.
16of 20
Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, these Japanese pickled cucumbers are the perfect choice. Made with just five ingredients, including soy sauce and rice vinegar, they're tangy, sweet, and addictive.
This creamy and nutty dressing is a favorite in Japanese cuisine. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, it's a unique and delicious dressing that will add a flavorful twist to any salad.
This simple and refreshing cucumber salad is a staple at Japanese restaurants. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a dressing of soy sauce and rice vinegar, it's the perfect side dish to balance out any meal.
19of 20
Cucumber Salad made Japanese Style
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Mirin, Sugar, Salt, Sesame Seeds
This cucumber salad may look simple, but it's packed with flavor. The dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar, is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy and will make your taste buds dance.
20of 20
Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Soy
This traditional Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. The dressing, made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, is the perfect balance of flavors and will leave you wanting more.
The Key Ingredients
To make the perfect Japanese restaurant house salad dressing, you'll need a few key ingredients that are easily available at any grocery store. These include soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and ginger. Soy sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, providing a salty and umami flavor. Rice vinegar adds a tangy twist while sesame oil brings in a nutty and aromatic element. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, and ginger provides a subtle spicy note to the dressing.
The Secret Ingredient: Miso Paste
While the above-mentioned ingredients are the main players in this dressing, there's one secret ingredient that takes it to the next level – miso paste. This traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans adds depth and complexity to the dressing, making it truly authentic. You can easily find miso paste in the Asian section of your local grocery store.
Mixing it all together
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it's time to put them together to create a flavorful dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of miso paste, and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and the miso paste is fully incorporated.
Adjusting the flavors
Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors according to your liking. You can add more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing or more soy sauce for a saltier taste. You can also add a splash of water to thin out the dressing if it's too thick.
Ready to Serve
Once your dressing is ready, you can serve it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This versatile dressing can be used not only on salads but also as a marinade for meats or as a dipping sauce for dumplings. So, next time you're craving a Japanese restaurant-style salad, skip the store-bought dressings and whip up this authentic Japanese restaurant house salad dressing in no time.
