Description
A light, crunchy, and umami-packed Japanese side dish made with salt-massaged cabbage, sesame oil, and simple pantry staples. This Izakaya-Style Salted Cabbage is quick, refreshing, and perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer.
Ingredients
1/2 head green cabbage
1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
1 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Optional: pinch of MSG or a few drops of yuzu juice for added umami
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, rinse under cold water, drain, and pat completely dry.
- Place cabbage in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Gently massage for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves.
- Add toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix again.
- Let the cabbage rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for best flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Add a few drops of yuzu juice or lemon for a citrusy twist.
For heat, mix in chili oil or shichimi togarashi.
Thinly sliced scallions or shredded carrots add extra color and crunch.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
