Name: A Quick and Healthy Japanese Summer Vegetable Side Dish - Okura no Aemono (Okra Salad)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Japanese • Washoku

A Quick and Healthy Japanese Summer Vegetable Side Dish - Okura no Aemono (Okra Salad)

Contains nutsHealthyHealthy side dish ideaMeal Prep FriendlyOkraSide DishSummer side dishUnder 650 caloriesVeggie

A common and well-loved dish in Japan is called Aemono (和え物), which literally translates to “seasoned” or “dressed dish.” This category of food refers to vegetables, seafood, or tofu mixed with a simple sauce or seasoning. Aemono dishes are appreciated for their balance, freshness, and subtle seasoning, making them an essential part of Japanese home-style meals. They are quick and easy to prepare, require minimal cooking, and highlight natural ingredients rather than heavy flavors.

Among the many varieties of Aemono found throughout Japanese cuisine, one of the most popular and refreshing options is Okura no Aemono—a simple yet flavorful okra dish. Okra is lightly cooked to maintain its bright green color and slightly sticky texture, which is considered a desirable characteristic in Japanese cuisine. The mild flavor of okra pairs beautifully with Japanese seasonings.

Essentially, Okura no Aemono consists of sliced okra seasoned with soy sauce. The seasoning may be simple, but the taste is comforting, clean, and deeply satisfying. Depending on personal preference or regional habits, additional toppings such as bonito flakes, roasted sesame seeds, or grated ginger may be added to enhance flavor and aroma. Some households also mix the okra with vinegar, miso, or a light dashi mixture to create subtle variations.

This refreshing dish is especially popular during the summer months, as okra is in season and its cool, smooth texture makes it a perfect match for warm weather. Okura no Aemono pairs wonderfully with a typical Japanese meal of steamed rice, miso soup, and grilled fish, but it also works beautifully as a side dish in a bento box or alongside a glass of cold sake.

Simple, nutritious, and delicious, Okura no Aemono highlights how Japanese cuisine values natural ingredients and mindful cooking. In the following steps, we’ll walk you through how to make this healthy and refreshing seasonal dish at home.

Overview

Prep time: 5 minsCook time: 5 minsTotal time: 10 mins

Total servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Main Ingredients

Okra

10 to 15 pieces

Sea Salt or coarse salt

To taste

Soy sauce

1 Tbsp

Warabeuta Tamari Shoyu Rich 3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 200ml

Roasted sesame

1 Tbsp

Wadaman Certified Organic Roasted White Sesame Seeds 50g

Dried bonito flakes (optional)

2g

Yamaki Katsuobushi Japanese Dried Bonito Flakes 2g x 20 Sachets

Instructions

1) Preparing the Okra

Cut the stem of okra out and peel the calyx of okra. Please be careful not to cut the stem too deep to avoid nutrients leaking out when you boil okra.

2) Salting the Okra

Lie okra down on the cutting board. Spread salt on them, and roll them with your hand to get rid of hairs on the surface. Once their surfaces are smooth, rinse them with water.

3) Boiling the Okra

Boil water in a pot and add salt to the boiling water. Add the Okra into the pot and boil them for about 2 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant green color.

4) Preparing the Aemono

After 2 minutes, take out the okra and put it into cold water to keep the vibrant green color. Drain the water and put the okra on a plate. If you want to eat the okra whole, spread bonito flakes and pour a little bit of soy sauce onto the okra. It is ready to eat. If you want to eat the okra small bites, cut okra into small pieces. Then, mix the chopped okra with soy sauce and roasted sesame (and dried bonito flakes if you prefer).

David Canigueral

David is based in Kobe and has been living in Japan for the past 8 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). On top of his studies, he has participated in International exchange programs in Germany, Mexico, and Boston, US. When it comes to writing articles, he is particularly interested in Japan-made utensils and tools as well as Japanese food, especially healthy ingredients, and difficult-to-find gourmet products. He also enjoys sharing reviews related to cafes, restaurants, and places he has visited. He always tries to make sure to write objectively and accurately, but at the same time engagingly. In his free time, he likes to play sports but is more recently into running, hiking, and skiing. He also likes reading about economics & business in general, traveling, and spending time outdoors with his family & friends at parks and beaches.

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