JAPAN
Photos by Annette Merfalen, Army Lt. Col. (Ret.)

Photos by Annette Merfalen, Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) ()

“My name is Annie. Food and I get along so well! Cooking and baking are more than a hobby for me – they’re a passion. I come from the beautiful island of Guam, U.S.A. The recipes you’ll find here are my creations, or those of my children, who are also budding foodies. I hope you like them. Drop me a comment or two to let me know how you like our island and other delicacies. Enjoy!” - Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Annette Merfalen

I love salads, but it’s all about the dressing for me. I’ve been experimenting with various salad dressings but I always seem to migrate toward vinegar and oil mixtures.

I call this a Japanese vinaigrette because of the addition of rice wine vinegar and aji mirin seasoning. Traditional Japanese dressings, however, usually use plain vegetable oil, but I love the flavor sesame oil imparts, so that’s my oil of choice in this version.

This is a quick and easy recipe. Throw all of the ingredients into a bowl, whisk, and serve.

This dressing is delicious with mixed salad greens, over cucumbers, or use it to make one of my many versions of Ahi Tuna Poki.

Give it a try. I think you'll like it!

Japanese Vinaigrette A tangy and slightly sweet dressing perfect for salads, seafood, or used as a marinade. Recipe type: Sauces and Dressings Cuisine: Japanese Serves: 2.5 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice vinegar

  • ½ cup aji mirin sweet cooking rice seasoning

  • ¼ cup white, granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup sesame oil

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onions

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Instructions 1. Place all ingredients into a small bowl. Whisk to combine. 2. Pour over salad greens, cucumbers, or use as a marinade. This is also a delicious dressing for my version of Ahi Tuna Poki.

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