Shoko’s Sizzling Sesame Chicken Salad: An Authentic Taste of Japan from Deb Samuels’ “My Japanese Table”

There are some culinary creations that transcend the ordinary, offering not just a meal, but an experience. Shoko’s Sizzling Sesame Chicken Salad, a truly unique and refreshing dish, is one such masterpiece. I am incredibly excited to share this extraordinary recipe with you, pulled directly from the pages of my dear friend Deb Samuels’ second captivating cookbook, “My Japanese Table.”

My connection with Deb began in the most modern of ways – through email, as we found ourselves sharing the same esteemed publisher, Tuttle Publishing. However, our friendship truly blossomed when we had the pleasure of meeting in person over a delightful lobster dinner in Boston. It was a memorable evening, proving beyond doubt that sharing delicious food is indeed the best recipe for forging new connections. Deb’s journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine is nothing short of inspiring. She dedicated over a decade of her life to living, studying, and immersing herself in Japan, where she meticulously learned the art of Japanese cooking, savoring its intricate flavors and mastering its techniques. Today, she channels this wealth of knowledge into teaching highly sought-after Japanese cooking classes, contributing insightful articles to the Boston Globe, and, of course, authoring her acclaimed cookbooks.

Her book, My Japanese Table, is a testament to her deep understanding and passion for the cuisine, offering readers a genuine portal into the flavors of Japan. When I asked Deb to introduce this particular recipe, Shoko’s Sesame Chicken Salad, I knew you would appreciate its distinctiveness. It’s unlike any chicken salad you’ve ever encountered, especially with its signature dramatic flourish: a drizzle of sizzling hot oil over perfectly chilled chicken. It’s a sensory experience that tantalizes the palate and awakens the appetite in a truly remarkable way. ~Jaden

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The Culinary Inspiration: A Sizzling Summer Day in Tokyo

One sweltering summer day in Tokyo, deep in the heart of August, the kind of heat that truly saps your energy, my family and I were invited to the welcoming home of our cherished Japanese “brother,” Shingo Oishi, his wonderful wife, Shoko, and their sons, Banri and Moro. Though it was only a brisk ten-minute walk from the bustling train station, the intense humidity and scorching sun meant that by the time we arrived, we were utterly wilted from the heat. The immediate relief came in the form of ice-cold glasses of roasted barley tea, which we gratefully gulped down, instantly revitalizing our spirits. As we slowly recuperated, Shoko was already putting the finishing touches on a gorgeous cold chicken dish, a true salvation in the summer heat.

The presentation was exquisite: delicate slices of ginger-scented chicken rested gracefully on a bed of lightly crushed chunks of crisp cucumbers. These were artfully surrounded by vibrant, skinned tomato wedges, and crowned with a generous, mounding pile of finely chopped green onions, or scallions. Shoko, with a flair for the dramatic, had reserved the preparation of the dressing for last, building an anticipation that was almost palpable. She filled a soup ladle with dark sesame oil, holding it with steady hands just above a low flame. We watched as the oil slowly began to bubble, signaling it had reached the perfect temperature. Withdrawing the ladle, she poured the sizzling oil directly over the cold chicken and green onions. The sound alone was captivating – a distinct hiss and crackle – and the aroma that instantly filled the air was nothing short of an appetite trigger! It was an ingenious technique; the crags and crevices in the smashed cucumbers expertly held the dressing, ensuring every bite was infused with flavor. This unique combination of sizzling hot oil meeting cold chicken creates an extraordinary texture and flavor profile that truly awakens the senses. While Shoko presented it elegantly sliced, I personally enjoy shredding the poached chicken breasts and serving the entire delightful dish atop a fresh bed of shredded lettuce, along with the vibrant tomatoes and cucumbers, making it a perfect light yet satisfying meal.

Why Shoko’s Sesame Chicken Salad is a Must-Try

This Japanese Sesame Chicken Salad stands as a testament to the brilliance of simple, fresh ingredients elevated by sophisticated techniques. Unlike conventional chicken salads often laden with mayonnaise, Shoko’s version offers a refreshingly light and vibrant alternative. The interplay of hot sesame oil and cold chicken is not just a culinary trick; it’s a thoughtfully crafted element that enhances both texture and flavor. The brief heat from the oil coaxes out the rich, nutty aroma of the sesame, allowing it to deeply infuse the chicken and green onions, creating an irresistible depth that is simultaneously comforting and invigorating.

Furthermore, this salad embodies the principles of healthy and balanced eating that are so central to Japanese cuisine. Poached chicken breasts provide lean protein, while fresh cucumbers and tomatoes offer essential vitamins and hydration, especially welcome during warmer months. The ginger, a staple in Asian cooking, not only imparts a delightful zing but also offers digestive benefits. The light soy sauce vinaigrette, balanced with lemon juice and rice vinegar, provides a perfect tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sesame oil, ensuring a harmonious symphony of flavors that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is remarkably wholesome, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or a refreshing main course on any summer day.

Meet Deb Samuels: Bridging Japanese Cuisine with the Western Kitchen

Deb Samuels is far more than just a cookbook author; she is a dedicated culinary educator and a passionate advocate for authentic Japanese flavors. Her decade-long immersion in Japan, learning directly from local home cooks and chefs, has given her a unique perspective on a cuisine that is often misunderstood in the West. Through her classes and writings, Deb demystifies Japanese cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable for home cooks of all skill levels. She emphasizes simplicity, fresh ingredients, and techniques that, while rooted in tradition, can be easily adapted to modern kitchens.

Her book, My Japanese Table, is a beloved resource for anyone looking to explore the richness of Japanese home cooking. It’s filled with practical recipes, cultural insights, and heartwarming stories, much like the one shared about Shoko’s Sesame Chicken Salad. Deb’s commitment to sharing her knowledge is evident in every page, making her books not just recipe collections but guides to a deeper culinary understanding. We highly recommend exploring her work to enrich your own cooking repertoire and appreciate the nuances of Japanese gastronomy.

You can purchase Debra Samuels’ book, My Japanese Table, on Amazon.

You can also keep up to date with her and her culinary adventures on Twitter and Facebook!