Chicken Tenderloin, Daikon and Mizuna Salad
A light yet satisfying Japanese salad made with tender chicken, crisp daikon and fresh mizuna. A creamy ponzu sesame dressing brings everything together with a savory, refreshing finish.
This easy Japanese chicken salad is all about texture. Gently poached chicken tenderloins stay moist and tender, while crisp daikon adds plenty of crunch and mizuna brings a fresh, lightly peppery note.
The dressing is a simple combination of mayonnaise, ponzu and sesame, giving the salad just the right balance of creaminess, acidity and nuttiness. Letting it rest briefly in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together beautifully.
For an even quicker version, you can use bottled sesame dressing instead. It is an easy side dish that works equally well for everyday meals and casual drinks at home.
What you'll need
- 3 chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 daikon radish
- 1 bunch mizuna
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ponzu sauce
- 1 tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- <For poaching>
- 1 tbsp cooking sake
How to make it
Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the chicken and add 1 tbsp cooking sake. Bring to a boil, add the chicken tenderloins and cook at a lively simmer for about 15 seconds. Turn off the heat and leave them in the hot water for about 10 minutes. Transfer to ice water, pat dry and shred into bite sized pieces.
Cut the daikon into thin sticks and the mizuna into roughly 3 cm pieces. Place them in a bowl with the shredded chicken.
Add the mayonnaise, ponzu, ground sesame seeds and toasted sesame seeds, then toss well. Chill briefly to allow the flavors to blend before serving. For a shortcut, replace the mayonnaise and ponzu with 2 tbsp bottled sesame dressing.
Tips
- Residual heat is the key to keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Avoid boiling it continuously for 10 minutes.
- For a quicker method, place the chicken in a microwave safe dish with 1 tbsp cooking sake, cover loosely and microwave at 600W for about 3 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Garlic lovers can add a small amount of grated garlic to the dressing for a richer, more savory flavor.
What to drink with it
