Apple Pie, Patis, and Pâté

There are two major categories in Japanese salads — sunomono (”vinegared things”) and aemono (”dressed things”). This crisp asparagus salad falls under aemono where a simple dressing of Japanese mustard, egg yolk, and soy sauce is applied sparingly, just enough to provide that distinctive mustard heat.

View Asparagus with Mustard Dressing recipe »

This is a refreshing and simple recipe for the ubiquitous Japanese side dish that seems to go well with anything. The sanbaizu, or “three flavors vinegar” dressing, is a delicate balance between sweet, sour, and salty but doesn’t overwhelm the clean and mild flavors of cucumber.

View Japanese Vinegared Cucumber recipe »