Japanese Onion Salad Recipe & Video
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing side dish that’s packed with flavor, this onion salad is a game-changer! The key to making raw onions sweet and crispy is to soak them in ice water. Add a simple umami-packed dressing and top it off with katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes), and you’ve got a delicious Japanese-inspired salad. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Onion Salad
Onion salad might sound basic, but trust me, it’s anything but! After soaking in ice water, the onions become so crisp and sweet that you’ll want to eat them with everything. Plus, the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice creates a perfectly balanced dressing, while katsuobushi adds a savory depth that’ll make this dish irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and so tasty!
Ingredients for Simple Onion Salad
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 lime or lemon, approximately 1 tbsp
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 oz katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes)
- Chopped green onion (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Soak the Onion:
Place the thinly sliced onion in ice water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to reduce the strong raw onion taste and makes the onion extra crispy.
2. Make the Dressing:
While the onion is soaking, mix together soy sauce, lime (or lemon) juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
3. Rinse & Drain:
Drain the onion and rinse it under cold running water to remove any sharpness. Pat dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Place the onions on a serving plate and pour the dressing over the top. Finish with katsuobushi, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful onion salad as a side dish or even as a light snack!
Health Benefits of Raw Onion
Did you know that raw onions offer tons of health benefits? 🧅 They’re known to boost your immune system, support heart health, improve digestion, and even help balance blood sugar levels. Onions are full of antioxidants, making them a powerhouse addition to your diet.
My husband Jacob used to hate raw onions, but after I started soaking them in ice water, they became so sweet and crispy that now he loves them! 😋
This onion salad is super easy to make and is perfect for any meal. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll start seeing onions in a whole new light!
Japanese Onion Salad
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This Simple Onion Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with umami thanks to the katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes). It’s a quick and easy side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 lime or lemon, approximately 1 tbsp
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 oz katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes)
- Chopped green onion (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Onion:
Place the thinly sliced onion in ice water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps reduce the strong raw onion taste and keeps the onion crisp. - Make the Dressing:
While the onion is soaking, mix soy sauce, lime (or lemon) juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl. - Rinse & Drain:
Drain the onion and rinse it under cold running water. Pat dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. - Assemble the Salad:
Place the onion on a serving plate, then pour the dressing over the top. Top with katsuobushi, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for extra flavor and garnish. Enjoy this light and flavorful onion salad as a side dish or a refreshing snack!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
