kohaku namasu (red & white salad)

(1 RATING)
4 Pinches
Vallèe du Willamette, OR
Updated on Jul 14, 2015

"Kohaku means red and white, and signifies happiness and celebration in Japanese culture. This simple salad is served during Oshogatsu, the New Year’s holiday celebration." From SavoryJapan.

prep time 10 Min
cook time
method No-Cook or Other
yield 4-6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1/3 large daikon (i subbed white carrot for a portion of the daikon)
  • 1/2 medium orange carrot, thick end
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • DRESSING:
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • - garnish: fresh cilantro, daikon sprouts, watercress sprouts (optional)

How To Make kohaku namasu (red & white salad)

  • Step 1
    Whisk together the dressing and set aside.
  • Step 2
    Cut the daikon and carrot into "sengiri" (thin julienne). Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, and let sit for 20 minutes. The vegetables will release quite a bit of water. *Drain, and squeeze as much liquid as possible. If this step is not taken, the water will dilute the dressing. Squeezing this extra moisture also leads to a crunchier texture and more intense flavor. *I use a salad spinner to help remove moisture.
  • Step 3
    Combine the vegetables with the dressing. The salt from the previous step should be enough, however, it depends on how much is lost when squeezing the moisture. Therefore, taste before serving. If needed, add 1/4 tsp more. Chill for at least 30 minutes to combine the flavors.

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