Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

JapaneseAuthentic Cuisine

Japanese Bean Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Japanese Bean Salad

Japanese Bean Salad is a staple of home-cooked meals, enjoyed particularly during family gatherings and casual dinners. While it's not tied to a specific holiday, its presence on the table is as comforting as a warm embrace. This version reflects the way Japanese home cooks bring it to life, with an intuitive hand for seasoning and a generous use of olive oil, making it a dish for sharing.

The salad is a harmonious blend of tender beans and crisp onions, brought together by the sharpness of vinegar and freshness of parsley. Each bite offers a balance of savory and tangy, with the olive oil providing a luscious coating. Fine sea salt enhances each component, inviting you to savor the simplicity and depth of flavors in every forkful.

Ingredients

  • 400 gcooked beans
  • 1onion
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • 2 tbspvinegar
  • parsley — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by finely chopping 1 onion. A sharp knife will help you achieve thin, even slices, which will blend well with the beans. Once chopped, place the onion into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add 400 g of cooked beans to the bowl with the onion. Use a variety of beans if available, as this will add color and texture to the salad. Ensure the beans are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.
  3. Pour 80 ml of olive oil over the beans and onions. Olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors meld together. Drizzle 2 tbsp of vinegar over the mixture, which will provide a bright, tangy contrast to the oil.
  4. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, tasting frequently to ensure the seasoning is balanced. The salt should enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.
  5. Gently toss the salad using a large spoon or your hands. Be careful to keep the beans intact to maintain their texture. The goal is to evenly distribute the dressing and seasoning without mashing the beans.
  6. Chop a handful of parsley and sprinkle it over the salad. The parsley will add a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color. Mix it in gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.
  7. Serve the Japanese Bean Salad immediately with fresh bread. The salad should be cool and refreshing, with a balance of flavors that complement each other. This dish is perfect for sharing at a family meal.
Cover of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Japanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Japanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Japanese cuisine