Chewy Grilled Mushroom Salad with Zesty Oriental Dressing
Recipe for a Chewy Grilled Mushroom Salad with Oriental Dressing using Santa-ri (Meat King Oyster) Mushrooms
Discover a delightful salad featuring the wonderfully chewy texture of mushrooms, grilled to golden perfection, paired with fresh greens and creamy cheese. A tangy and sweet oriental dressing ties it all together, making it a satisfying meal on its own. We’re using Santa-ri mushrooms (also known as Meat King Oyster mushrooms) for their dense texture and high satiety, ensuring a wholesome and delicious salad experience.
Salad Ingredients- Large handful of Meat King Oyster Mushrooms (Santa-ri Mushrooms)
- 1 portion of fresh salad greens
- 2 strips of bacon
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, as needed
Oriental Dressing (Tablespoon Measurement)- 2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 0.2 Tbsp salt
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or brewed)
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 0.2 Tbsp salt
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or brewed)
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare the minced onion for our oriental dressing. Finely mince 2 tablespoons of onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step helps to mellow out the sharp, pungent flavor, resulting in a smoother, more pleasant dressing. After soaking, drain the onion thoroughly in a sieve.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the zesty and sweet oriental dressing. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 0.2 tablespoon of salt, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 0.5 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (this is optional, feel free to omit it if you prefer), and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your personal taste. We recommend using regular or brewed soy sauce for the best flavor.
Step 3
Once all the dressing ingredients are combined, add the drained minced onion and mix well. While you can use this dressing immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer taste. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Step 4
Introducing the star of our salad: the mushrooms! These are Meat King Oyster mushrooms, also known as Santa-ri mushrooms. They might look similar to regular oyster mushrooms, but their texture is much denser and delightfully chewy. They offer a savory flavor and a satisfying fullness, making them an excellent choice for a salad.
Step 5
To best preserve the mushroom’s unique texture and aroma, prepare them carefully. Trim the tough base of the mushrooms, then gently pull them apart into bite-sized pieces. Avoid washing them under running water; instead, simply brush off any visible dirt or debris. This helps maintain their moisture content and enhances their flavor when cooked.
Step 6
Since salad is best served cold, it’s a good idea to cook and cool any ingredients that require heat beforehand. First, let’s prepare the bacon. We’ll use 2 strips (you can adjust the amount based on the size of your bacon strips; I used three smaller ones). Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat, then add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Step 7
Leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan, add the prepared Meat King Oyster mushrooms. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. Then, sear them over high heat until they are nicely browned and slightly caramelized. These mushrooms have low moisture content, so they won’t release much water when cooked and won’t shrink significantly, retaining their wonderful chewy texture.
Step 8
Cut the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). Prepare the fresh mozzarella cheese by tearing or cutting it into similar-sized pieces. Wash the salad greens thoroughly under cool water and spin them dry. With the ingredients prepped, we’re almost ready to assemble!
Step 9
Now, let’s artfully arrange all the components. Start by creating a generous bed of fresh salad greens on a plate or in a bowl. Top it with the beautifully browned grilled mushrooms, the crispy bacon pieces, and the fresh mozzarella cheese. Once everything is beautifully plated, drizzle generously with the chilled oriental dressing you prepared earlier.
Step 10
And there you have it – a truly chewy and delicious grilled mushroom salad! This salad is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderful served on toast as an open-faced sandwich. It makes for a hearty and satisfying brunch option.
Step 11
Experience the incredible chewy texture of the mushrooms, perfectly complemented by the refreshing, sweet, and savory notes of the oriental dressing. It’s a harmonious blend that’s sure to delight your palate.
Step 12
Don’t miss out on trying the Santa-ri mushrooms (Meat King Oyster mushrooms)! Their texture rivals that of meat, and they’re sure to bring a unique and exciting element to your cooking. This grilled mushroom salad is a must-try!
