Japanify: Mizuna Crunch Salad

Spring is here and my local market is starting show signs of different colors of the rainbow after a winter abundance of orange and brown fruits and vegetables. I've been most excited about the appearance of more greens -- broccoli, asparagus, green onions, etc. The bulk greens sections has also been exploding and the appearance of fresh, healthy mizuna has prompted me to concoct a salad that takes advantage of its availability.

This salad can be made in 10 minutes and the only thing you may need to run to the Asian market for is the abura-age (deep fried tofu). The abura-age is a crucial ingredient to this salad, acting as a substitute to the crouton -- providing crunch and some oily goodness.

INGREDIENTS
Serves 2

2 handfuls of mizuna
1-2 abura-age

Dressing
1 tbsp of ground sesame seeds
1 tbsp of sesame oil
1 tsp of soy sauce
1/2 tsp of yuzu kosho or shichimi
1/2 tsp of salt

METHOD

1. In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the dressing.



2. Sear the abura-age on a grill or frying pan. Make sure it develops a little crunch on the outside. It should look a little something like this when it's done.



3. Slice the abura-age into strips (about 1/3 of an inch wide).

4. Mix the greens together with the dressing. Top with abura-age.



Enjoy your greens!