Japanese cuisine places great emphasis on balance and this means that every ingredient, be it a main course or a side dish, is equally important. In addition, vegetable-based dishes are highly appreciated, as they offer health and flavor. So here we gather 11 plant-based Japanese dishes delicious and super nutritious.
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As you read along, you'll find some familiar vegetables, like spinach and green beans, but you'll see others that are unusual here, like burdock roots and hijiki seaweed. However, such elements are prepared with interesting but accessible Japanese methods.
Therefore, if you are an adventurer in the kitchen, you will find delicious discoveries in this article. In that sense, this is the time to try new vegetables and other ways of preparation. Check out!
11 plant-based Japanese dishes
- Sunomono
Sunomono is one of the most popular vegetable-based side dishes on Japanese dinner tables. Being a light, spicy and very refreshing option, you can serve this sweet and sour salad with anything. In addition, it is a versatile dish and very easy to make.
- Horenso Gomaae
This recipe is deliciously healthy and will have your whole family begging for more spinach at dinnertime! It is extremely easy and quick to make and goes well with any Japanese food. Not to mention, it is often added to a blessed lunch giving a nice appetizing green color to the meal.
- cooked cabotiá
Cabotiá squash is an autumn and winter classic. When boiled in a dashi broth seasoned with soy sauce and sake, the natural flavor of Japanese squash is intensified. Therefore, in addition to being healthy, this dish is also full of nutrients.
- Goma-ae green bean
Made with a sweet sesame soy sauce, this simple green bean recipe is one of the most popular in Japan. Plus, you'll only need four ingredients and 20 minutes to make this delicious dish.
- eggplant with miso
These eggplants are very caramelized on the edges, but creamy in the middle. With that, this vegan dish is delicious, plus it can be prepared in 30 minutes. Furthermore, cooking softens and sweetens the eggplant.
- okra oitashi
Okra is a very interesting vegetable, so once you discover its potential and how to cook it best, you will love and enjoy what it has to offer. Also, this simple salad recipe is a good start for beginners in the kitchen.
- gobo salad
This crunchy burdock root and carrot salad is very reminiscent of coleslaw. Made with creamy Japanese mayonnaise, this side dish goes well with any Japanese dish.
- Yasai Itame
Not sure what to do with all those leftover vegetables? So frying them might come in handy. Although this element is more of a side dish, you can easily turn it into a main course. Also, feel free to swap out the pork for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Bean Sprout Salad
The bean sprout salad is a light and refreshing side dish. Thus, it goes great with anything, especially Japanese and Korean style barbecue.
- Kinpira Renkon
In this delicious and different recipe, the lotus roots are first fried and then cooked in soy sauce and Mirin spices. In addition, you can also add some spices like thinly sliced pepper.
- pickled cabbage
Dipped in salt, kombu and pepper flakes, this Japanese pickled cabbage is the ideal accompaniment to a traditional Japanese meal. Plus, it's a perfect way to reuse leftover cabbage.
