Sesame Mayo Green Beans and Chikuwa Salad
A simple Japanese side dish made with crisp green beans, chikuwa fish cake, and carrots tossed in a rich sesame mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or a quick everyday side.
This simple Japanese side dish proves that a handful of everyday ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Crisp green beans, savory chikuwa fish cakes, and sweet carrots are coated in a rich sesame mayonnaise dressing that's both creamy and nutty.
Ready in just minutes, it's perfect for lunch boxes, meal prep, or whenever you need one more vegetable dish for the table. Affordable, flavorful, and loved by both kids and adults, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.
What you'll need
- 15 green beans
- 3 chikuwa fish cakes
- 1/4 carrot
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 3 g bonito flakes
- Toasted white sesame seeds, to taste
How to make it
Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half. Cook in lightly salted boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool. Julienne the carrot and blanch it the same way. Drain both well. Slice the chikuwa into thin strips.
In a large bowl, combine the green beans, carrot, and chikuwa. Add the mayonnaise, soy sauce, ground sesame seeds, bonito flakes, and white sesame seeds, then toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Tips
- Do not overcook the green beans. Blanching them for just 1 to 2 minutes keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- Chilling the salad for about 10 minutes before serving allows the sesame dressing to blend beautifully with the ingredients.
- You can also add corn, cucumber, or shredded crab sticks for extra color, texture, and flavor.
What to drink with it
