Have you ever tried Tianmianjiang, the sweet and savory fermented wheat paste that’s a staple in Northern Chinese cuisine? It’s incredibly versatile and adds a unique depth of flavor to any dish. And guess what? It also makes an amazingly delicious salad dressing!
This Tianmianjiang dressing salad is a perfect blend of fresh, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, savory dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s surprisingly easy to make and is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the salad:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
For the Tianmianjiang dressing:
- 2 tablespoons Tianmianjiang (sweet wheat paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for a touch of heat)
Tianmianjiang Dressing Salad
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large mixing bowl
- A small mixing bowl
- A whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Let’s Get Started: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare your veggies:
Rinse all your veggies thoroughly. Chop the lettuce, shred the carrots, slice the cucumbers, and chop the red onion and cilantro.
2. Make the Tianmianjiang dressing:
In the small mixing bowl, whisk together the Tianmianjiang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil (if using) until well combined.
3. Assemble the salad:
In the large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Dress and serve:
Pour the prepared Tianmianjiang dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add the finishing touch:
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts (if using) over the salad for added crunch and flavor.
Tips & Tricks from a Salad Expert
- “For a milder flavor, you can use less Tianmianjiang and adjust the seasoning accordingly. – Chef Emily, Family Cuisine”
- “If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame. – Chef Emily, Family Cuisine”
- “To make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy. – Chef Emily, Family Cuisine”
Presentation Matters
Arrange your salad on a platter or individual plates. To add a touch of elegance, you can use a vegetable peeler to create carrot ribbons or cucumber slices for garnish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds also adds a nice visual appeal.
Salad Presentation
Ready to Enjoy!
This Tianmianjiang dressing salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the fresh, crisp vegetables to the rich, savory dressing. It’s a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So why not give it a try? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and share your salad adventures with us.
