Grilled Japanese Vegetable Salad with Wafu Dressing
Inspired by the robata grill sections of modern Japanese restaurants like Zuma, this salad celebrates the smoky char of grilled vegetables dressed in wafu vinaigrette. The gentle sweetness of the soy-rice vinegar dressing pairs naturally with the caramelized edges of grilled aubergine, courgette, and peppers. A finishing shower of katsuobushi (bonito flakes) bridges the gap between robata and traditional Japanese flavour.
Ingredients (serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Japanese eggplant (nasu) | 2, halved lengthwise |
| Courgette (zucchini) | 1 large, sliced 1 cm thick |
| Red bell pepper | 1, quartered |
| Shishito peppers | 8 |
| King oyster mushrooms | 2, sliced lengthwise |
| Neutral oil for grilling | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Mirin | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Toasted sesame seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) | a small handful |
| Shiso leaves (optional) | 4-6 |
Method
- Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Brush vegetables lightly with neutral oil and season with a pinch of salt.
- Grill eggplant cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until charred. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Grill courgette, peppers, and mushrooms for 2-3 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
- While vegetables grill, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin, and grated ginger.
- Arrange the grilled vegetables on a serving platter while still warm.
- Drizzle the wafu dressing generously over the vegetables.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds, a flutter of katsuobushi, and torn shiso leaves.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
The vegetables can be adapted to the season — asparagus, sweet potato slices, and lotus root all work well. For a more substantial dish, add grilled tofu or chicken. The katsuobushi will dance and curl from the heat of the vegetables, adding visual drama and smoky umami. This dish works as a standalone light meal or as a side to grilled fish or meat.
Dressing: Wafu-Dressing Source: Zuma restaurant style / Modern Japanese