Crisp Cabbage and Tender Crab Stick Salad with Savory Perilla Dressing
Healthy & Delicious: Cabbage and Crab Stick Salad with Homemade Perilla Seed Dressing (Inspired by Lotus Root Salad Dressing)
Enjoy a refreshing cabbage and crab stick salad elevated by a special homemade perilla seed dressing.
Savory Perilla Dressing
- 2-3 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 2 Tbsp aged soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (or plum balsamic vinegar, or plum extract + vinegar)
- 2-3 Tbsp apple juice (freshly squeezed is great too!)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Salad Ingredients
- Cabbage, appropriate amount
- Carrot, appropriate amount
- Imitation crab sticks (surimi), appropriate amount
- Cabbage, appropriate amount
- Carrot, appropriate amount
- Imitation crab sticks (surimi), appropriate amount
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the delicious homemade perilla seed dressing for your salad. In a bowl, combine 2-3 tablespoons of savory perilla seed powder, 2 tablespoons of aged soy sauce (or your preferred soy sauce), 3 tablespoons of sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar (you can also use plum balsamic vinegar or a mix of plum extract and vinegar), 2-3 tablespoons of sweet apple juice (freshly squeezed apple juice adds a wonderful freshness!), and 2 tablespoons of flavorful olive oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. This simple yet flavorful dressing will be the highlight of your salad!
Step 2
Now, let’s get the fresh ingredients for the salad ready. For a satisfying crunch, thinly shred the cabbage. To enhance its crispness, soak the shredded cabbage in cold water for about 10 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly under running water and drain well. Shred the carrot to a similar thickness. For the imitation crab sticks, briefly blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then gently shred them along their natural lines. This makes them wonderfully tender and easy to eat. Once all your ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Step 3
Finally, add the prepared shredded vegetables and crab sticks to a large bowl. Pour the homemade perilla seed dressing generously over the ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the dressing coats all the components evenly. You can enjoy the salad immediately after tossing, or for a fresher presentation, arrange the dressed salad on a serving plate and drizzle the remaining dressing just before serving. Savor the delightful combination of nutty perilla, tangy balsamic, and the fresh crunch of vegetables!
