Wafu

Wafu is the name commonly used to refer to numerous Japanese-style vinaigrette dressings. Although there are endless wafu varieties they are all built around one crucial ingredient - tosazu, the traditional Japanese fermented vinegar, elevated with the addition of soy sauce, kombu seaweed, mirin, and dried fish flakes. The addition of oil, and subsequently other ingredients, creates the famous wafu dressings. The possible variations of this traditional dressing are infinite, and the most common additional ingredients include lemon juice, grated ginger, grated or diced onion, seaweed, Japanese shiso herb, or wasabi. The addition of sesame oil creates another variety known as chūka-fū, translated as Chinese-style dressing. The Japanese prepare the wafu dressing at home or use the industrially-produced varieties which also offer an array of possibilities. This refreshing Japanese dressing can be used to season various salads, and there are no limitations when it comes to its consumption. It is often served with leafy green salads, or crunchy daikon and broccoli salads, and even with some fruit-based salad varieties. Whether homemade or store bought, wafu represents a staple ingredient in every Japanese household.