Japanese Tofu Okra Salad
- felichiccuisine
- Jun 15, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 20
A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight
If you're looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly nutritious dish, this Japanese Tofu Okra Salad is the perfect choice. With its delicate balance of flavors and textures, this salad brings together the silkiness of tofu, the crunch of fresh vegetables, the umami depth of a sesame-soy dressing, and the unique texture of okra.
I made this Japanese Tofu Okra Salad for the first time, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never eaten okra before and didn’t know how it would taste, and the idea of pairing it with tofu felt a bit unusual to me.
But once I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised! The okra is tender, the tofu is silky, and together with the fresh vegetables and light dressing, the whole salad tastes clean, refreshing, and really delicious. It’s simple, healthy, and definitely something I’ll make again.
Both okra and tofu are highly valued in Japanese cuisine, not just for their versatility, but also for their numerous health benefits. Okra, often called "lady's fingers," is rich in fiber and beneficial compounds that support digestion and blood sugar control.
How to Prepare Okra
Okra is a popular summer vegetable in Japan, known for its mild flavor and slightly sticky texture. It can be prepared in various ways: grilled, fried, stewed, or added to soups.
Preparation Tips:
✔ Trim the stalk ends before cooking.
✔ You can leave okra whole or slice it, depending on your preference.
✔ Blanching okra for about 1 minute in boiling water reduces its natural sliminess and keeps it tender.
For this salad, you’ll blanch and slice the okra, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the tofu and other ingredients.
How to Prepare Tofu
Tofu is a staple in Japanese cuisine and an essential protein source in many plant-based diets. Made from soybeans, it is naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and rich in iron and calcium.
Types of Tofu & Best Uses:
Silken tofu: Soft, creamy, and perfect for salads, soups, and desserts.
Firm tofu: Holds its shape better; great for grilling, frying, and baking.
Extra firm tofu: Best for stir-frying and marinating.
For this recipe, silken tofu is the best choice because of its smooth texture, which pairs beautifully with the crunchy vegetables and rich dressing.
Preparation Tip:
Drain the tofu and gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures that it absorbs the dressing better and enhances its delicate flavor.
You might also like to try: Japanese Chicken Meatballs ‘Tsukune’
Why You’ll Love This Japanese Tofu Okra Salad
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Tofu adds plant-based protein and calcium.
Okra is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Cucumber and red onion keep the salad fresh and hydrating.
Peanuts give a delicious crunch and healthy fats.
Good for DigestionOkra’s natural fiber supports gut health, while the ginger and garlic in the dressing add gentle anti-inflammatory benefits.
Light but FillingWith a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is refreshing yet satisfying—perfect when you want something healthy that still keeps you full.
Tips for the Best Japanese Tofu Okra Salad
Use silken tofu for a soft, creamy texture.
Blanch the okra quickly to keep it bright and less sticky.
Serve the tofu well chilled for extra freshness.
Let the dressing rest a few minutes so the flavors come together
Enjoy!
“There’s no medicine for falling in love.” - 惚れた病に薬なし (horeta yamai ni kusuri nashi)
Have you tried making this Japanese Tofu Salad? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
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