Japanese Carrot Salad: Ninjin Shirishiri Recipe from Okinawa

What is Ninjin Shirishiri?

Ninjin Shirishiri is a traditional Okinawan dish made with finely shredded carrots as the main ingredient. In Okinawan dialect, “Shirishiri” means “grate” or “shred,” referring to the use of a special tool called a “Shirishiri grater” to finely cut the carrots. This dish is simple, healthy, and packed with flavor, combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the umami of canned tuna and the richness of eggs.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

To make Ninjin Shirishiri for four people, you will need the following ingredients:

CARROTS: 2-3 (APPROXIMATELY 300G)
- Use fresh carrots and shred them into thin, long strips using a Shirishiri grater or a regular grater. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, making this a nutritious addition to any meal.
CANNED TUNA: 1 CAN (ABOUT 80G)
- Use either water-packed or oil-packed canned tuna. If using oil-packed tuna, drain the oil for a lighter taste.
EGGS: 2
- Eggs add nutrition and a creamy texture to the dish when combined with the carrots and tuna.
SESAME OIL: 1 TABLESPOON
- Sesame oil adds a rich, aromatic flavor. You can also substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
SOY SAUCE: 2 TEASPOONS
- Soy sauce provides the essential seasoning for Ninjin Shirishiri, offering a savory taste that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
SALT & PEPPER: TO TASTE
- Add salt and pepper at the end to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Preparation Steps

1. SHRED THE CARROTS
First, peel the carrots and shred them into thin, long strips. While you can use a knife, using a slicer or grater will make the process easier and result in more uniform strips. Shredded carrots retain a nice crunchy texture while cooking quickly.

2. BEAT THE EGGS
Next, crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well. Having the eggs ready beforehand ensures they mix smoothly into the dish when added.

3. STIR-FRY THE CARROTS
Heat sesame oil in a frying pan and add the shredded carrots. Stir-fry the carrots over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Cooking the carrots this way enhances their natural sweetness.

4. ADD THE TUNA AND EGGS
Add the canned tuna to the stir-fried carrots and mix well to distribute the flavor evenly. Then, pour in the beaten eggs, stirring the mixture as the eggs cook. Once the eggs start to set, season the dish with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. FINISHING AND SERVING
Once the flavors are well-blended, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the Ninjin Shirishiri to a serving plate. It’s best enjoyed warm, but it’s also delicious when served cold. For added flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.

Tips

Ninjin Shirishiri is a dish that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. The natural sweetness of carrots, the umami of tuna, and the creaminess of eggs combine to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. You can adjust the amount of carrots or seasoning to suit your taste. This colorful and nutritious dish is not only a great option for home-cooked meals but also makes an excellent side dish or bento box addition. Try making Ninjin Shirishiri at home using this recipe, and enjoy a taste of traditional Okinawan cuisine!

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