15 Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
For many people, Japanese cuisine is synonymous with fresh, healthy ingredients and bold flavors. One dish that perfectly encapsulates these qualities is the Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing. This iconic dressing is a staple of the popular Japanese Village restaurant chain, known for its teppanyaki-style cooking and lively atmosphere. But what makes this dressing so special? Let's dive into the history and recipe of this beloved dressing and learn how to recreate it at home.
This recipe puts a Japanese spin on the classic breaded and fried pork cutlet. The addition of pungent Japanese spices and a crispy panko coating make this dish a standout. Serve with steamed rice and tonkatsu sauce for an authentic experience.
This creamy and tangy dressing is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with savory sesame oil and rice vinegar, this dressing adds a delicious kick to any salad. Try it on a mixed greens salad or drizzled over grilled chicken for a tasty twist.
Similar to the sesame dressing, this ginger dressing adds a spicy and refreshing element to any salad. Made with fresh ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, this dressing is a must-try for any Japanese food lover.
Known as “hotcakes” in Japan, these fluffy pancakes are a popular breakfast item. Made with flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar, these pancakes are light and airy, perfect for topping with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
This savory pancake is a staple street food in Japan. Made with cabbage, flour, eggs, and a variety of toppings, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful meal. Try topping with bonito flakes and Japanese mayo for an extra special touch.
This light and fluffy cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and cornstarch, this cheesecake has a unique texture that resembles cotton candy. Serve with fresh fruit for a delicious and elegant treat.
This simple and versatile dressing is found on most salads in Japan. Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, this dressing adds a rich and tangy flavor to any salad. Try it on a mixed greens salad or as a marinade for grilled meats.
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Quick Japanese Cabbage Salad & Dressing
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Rice Vinegar, Canola Oil, Soy Sauce, Sesame
This quick and easy salad is a staple side dish in Japanese cuisine. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing side to any meal. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
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Homemade Japanese sesame salad dressing
Main Ingredients: Sesame, Mayonnaise, Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
If you’re a fan of the sesame dressing found in Japanese restaurants, you’ll love this homemade version. Made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, this dressing has a nutty and savory flavor that pairs well with any salad.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This simple and refreshing salad is a popular side dish in Japan. Made with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, this salad has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements any meal. Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
No list of Japanese dishes would be complete without ramen. This comforting and flavorful noodle soup features a rich broth, chewy noodles, and a variety of toppings such as braised pork, soft-boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots. Make your own at home with this delicious recipe.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
These portable rice balls are a popular snack in Japan. Made with sushi rice and a variety of fillings, these onigiri are perfect for on-the-go eating. Try filling them with tuna or salmon for a protein-packed snack.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
These crispy and flavorful dumplings are a popular appetizer in Japan. Made with pork, cabbage, and garlic, these dumplings are pan-fried to perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with steamed rice.
This hearty noodle soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with thick and chewy udon noodles, a flavorful broth, and a variety of toppings, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite toppings such as tempura shrimp, tofu, or vegetables.
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Food Babe's Japanese Restaurant Ginger Salad Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, White Onion, Ginger, White Miso Paste, Rice
If you’re a fan of the ginger dressing found in Japanese restaurants, try making your own with this recipe from the Food Babe. Made with fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this dressing has a bold and zesty flavor that will take your salads to the next level.
This simple and flavorful dish is a great way to showcase the naturally delicious taste of eggplant. Grilled and topped with a savory soy-based sauce, this dish is a light and healthy option for any meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
This dish combines the nutty and flavorful taste of peanut sauce with chewy and satisfying soba noodles. Topped with crispy tofu and vegetables, this dish is packed with protein and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
This juicy and flavorful grilled chicken dish is a popular street food in Japan. Marinated in a teriyaki-style sauce and grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for summer BBQs or as a simple and delicious dinner option.
This simple and delicious side dish is a great way to showcase the natural flavor of zucchini. Sautéed in a garlic and soy sauce, this dish is quick and easy to make and pairs well with any Japanese-inspired meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
This dish takes tender and juicy steak to the next level with a savory and flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
The Origins of Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing
The Birth of a Classic
The Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing was created by the founder of the Japanese Village restaurant chain, Shintaro "Sam" Chaki. In the 1950s, Chaki immigrated to Canada from his home country of Japan and opened a small restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique teppanyaki-style cooking, where chefs prepare and cook meals in front of customers.
As the restaurant expanded, Chaki wanted to create a signature salad dressing to complement the fresh, healthy dishes served at Japanese Village. He experimented with different ingredients and flavors, eventually coming up with the perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors that would become the Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing.
A Secret Recipe
The exact recipe for the Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few people in the Japanese Village organization. However, it is believed to be a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and other Japanese seasonings. The dressing is known for its creamy texture and bold umami flavor, making it a perfect complement to any salad.
Recreating the Dressing at Home
Ingredients and Preparation
While the exact recipe may be a secret, there are many copycat recipes available online that claim to replicate the taste of Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing. Some of the key ingredients in these recipes include soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and mayonnaise. To make the dressing, simply mix these ingredients together in a blender or whisk them by hand until well combined.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
One of the great things about making your own Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste and even add in additional ingredients like ginger or garlic for extra flavor.
This dressing is not just limited to salads – it can also be used as a marinade for meats or as a dipping sauce for vegetables. Get creative and experiment with different ways to use this versatile dressing in your cooking.
In conclusion, the Japanese Village Ottawa Salad Dressing is a beloved and iconic part of the Japanese Village restaurant chain. Its tangy and savory flavors make it a perfect complement to any dish, and with a little experimentation, you can recreate it at home to add a touch of Japanese cuisine to your meals. So next time you visit Japanese Village, be sure to savor every bite of that delicious salad with their famous dressing.
