Some people are intimidated by Japanese cooking. It incorporates big, bold flavors, unique ingredients and fabulous texture pairings.
As an introduction to Japanese cuisine, we suggest starting simple and working your way to more challenging recipes as you build confidence and experience.
This Japanese-style mixed bean salad is just the place to start!
Big flavors from Asian ingredients paired with Randall Beans mixed beans result in a refreshing and delicious oriental salad that is perfect for spring and summer and ideal for packing in a picnic basket.
But, before you look at the ingredients list and have second thoughts, hear us out! Red miso paste? Wakame? Nori seaweed? These are without a doubt not your traditional pantry items, but don’t let them scare you off from trying this dish for yourself. All three ingredients, believe it or not, can easily be found at your local world market, Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer or even Kroger! Unusual ingredients in usual places!
Once you track down these ingredients, this recipe is easy as could be. Simply combine the appropriate ingredients and finish it off with a toss of sesame oil and a little nori to finish it off. The seaweed gives the salad a nice crunch that is balanced by the creamy, yet firm, beans. The dressing, ginger, garlic and vinegar give this mixed bean salad complex combinations of sweet, heat and savory and makes for a truly unique salad.
Eat this salad by itself or pair it with teriyaki chicken, beef or stir fry veggies!
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups of Randall Ultimate 4 Bean Mix, drained
- 1 Tbsp. red miso paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup wakeme seaweed soaked in 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sweet soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
- Nori seaweed krinkles, for granish
Instructions
- In a salad bowl, place drained Randall Beans. Drain the wakeme, reserve the liquid. Add wakeme to salad bowl.
- Gently heat the wakeme broth. You should have about 1/2 cup. Add remaining ingredients except for sesame oil and nori krinkles Mix well and heat sauce until aromatic.
- Let mixture cool. Add sesame seed oil. Toss salad with dressing and garnish with nori.
We aren’t the only ones who love beans, you know. Beans are a staple in cuisine from all over the world! From here in the United States, to South America, Europe and even Asia.
