Are you craving a dish that perfectly balances umami flavors and delightful textures? The Warm Mushroom Salad from Nobu is a celebrated favorite, often leaving diners intrigued. Here’s the good news: you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Backed by its iconic presence on Nobu’s menu and detailed in Nobu: The Cookbook, this dish promises to bring restaurant-quality satisfaction to your table. Dive into this guide to discover its essence, master its preparation, and explore exciting variations.

Understanding the Dish

At its core, the Warm Mushroom Salad combines sautéed mushrooms with a tangy dressing, typically featuring the iconic Matsuhisa Dressing or a yuzu-based variant. This dish is a harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, fresh greens, and bold Japanese flavors.

Recipe from Nobu: The Cookbook

The classic recipe, as featured in Nobu: The Cookbook, uses: A mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, king oyster, shimeji, and enoki. A yuzu dressing or Matsuhisa Dressing. Sautéing in olive oil (an alternative to butter for dietary preferences).

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Ingredients

Mixed mushrooms about 4 oz per serving.
Baby salad greens or mizuna.
Yuzu dressing 5 teaspoons per serving.
Sake 4 teaspoons for sautéing.
Salt to taste.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the mushrooms, sauté for 7 minutes until golden.
Deglaze with sake and season with salt.
Toss the sautéed mushrooms in yuzu dressing.
Serve over a bed of salad greens and drizzle extra dressing on top.

Tips for Success

Mushroom Selection: Use a variety of mushrooms for contrasting textures and flavors.
Cooking Technique: Ensure the pan is hot before adding mushrooms. Avoid overcrowding to achieve a proper sear.
Dressing Consistency: Blend onions finely if using Matsuhisa Dressing to ensure a smooth texture.

Pairing Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with broiled salmon, grilled chicken, or agedashi tofu for a vegetarian option. Serve alongside steamed rice and miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.

Health Benefits

Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and vitamin D. Combined with the nutrient-rich dressing and greens, this salad is a healthy addition to any meal.

Variations and Creativity

Grain Bowls: Add cooked farro or quinoa for a hearty twist.
Vegetarian Delight: Top with crispy tofu or roasted vegetables.
Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate asparagus or roasted pumpkin for a seasonal variation.

Where to Enjoy

Warm Mushroom Salad is available at various Nobu locations. Check their local menus online to confirm availability. If dining out isn’t an option, recreating this dish at home with the tips provided can be equally satisfying.

Conclusion

Whether you’re dining at Nobu or experimenting in your kitchen, the Warm Mushroom Salad is a delightful dish that showcases the richness of Japanese culinary artistry. With its simple preparation and versatile pairings, it’s a must-try for any food enthusiast.