Addictive Izakaya Style Salted Cabbage (Yamitsuki Shio Cabbage)

You’ll never look at cabbage the same way again once you’ve tasted this Japanese Izakaya style “yamitsuki” cabbage! Crunchy pieces of fresh cabbage tossed in sesame seeds and seasonings to create the ultimate umami bomb. Even if you don’t like cabbage, I guarantee this dish will change your mind!

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What is Izakaya Style Salted Cabbage (Yamitsuki/addictive Shio Cabbage)?

As the name suggests, Japanese salted cabbage is a simple side dish made with raw cabbage that has been sprinkled with salt and other seasonings. Despite its simplicity, it’s truly a delicious and addictive dish.

Known as “yamitsuki” (やみつき) or “addictive” cabbage in Japanese, these salted cabbage side dishes are often served in izakaya (Japanese pubs) or yakiniku (Korean BBQ) restaurants, where people often gather to drink and eat.

This type of dish is sometimes called shio kyabetsu (salt cabbage) depending on the restaurant.

The cabbage has a fresh and crunchy texture while the seasonings add umami, yamitsuki cabbage is seriously addictive and some places even offer a free refill service. I always end up ordering refills without a fail. I absolutely love this dish!

This recipe is my version of an izakaya style “Addictive” salty cabbage. It’s a 5 minute dish which is very cheap and easy to make, I highly recommend it!

What does “yamitsuki” mean in Japanese?

We say “yamitsuki cabbage,” but first let me elaborate on what “yamitsuki” means in Japanese.

“Yamitsuki (やみつき)” is a Japanese term for being so drawn to something that you can’t help but enjoy it over and over. It’s often used for food, drinks, hobbies, or habits that people find satisfying and fun.

For example, if someone can’t stop eating a snack once they start, they’re “addicted (yamitsuki)” to it. They love its taste and texture so much that they just want to keep eating.

What makes something “yamitsuki” varies for each person, but they all share the ability to bring joy and satisfaction, making people want to enjoy them over and over again.

What is an Izakaya (居酒屋)?

I mentioned that this yamitsuki cabbage is typically an izakaya dish, but you might be wondering what an “izakaya” is exactly. Izakaya is a traditional Japanese casual eatery that serves a wide variety of Japanese cuisine (tapas style) along with drinks and alcoholic beverages, making them great spots to hang out with friends or unwind after work. You can simply think of them as Japanese tapas bars or pubs.

Many types of alcoholic beverages are served in izakaya, but Japanese drinks such as sake, shochu, and beer are especially popular. The menu is packed with tasty choices like sashimi, sushi, yakitori, tempura, salads, stir-fries, and fried foods…and so on! Since dishes are served tapas-style, it’s common to share with everyone and try new flavors together.

Izakayas have a lively, welcoming vibe, with cozy lighting and wooden furniture, in contrast to dimly lit bars. They’re usually budget-friendly and might even offer all-you-can-eat (tabehodai) or all-you-can-drink (nomihodai) deals where you can order as much as you like within a time limit. So, if you’re looking to enjoy Japanese food culture in a relaxed setting, izakayas are perfect for you!

If you’re interested in more Izakaya style dishes, check out my post: 25 Izakaya Style “Otsumami” Recipes to make at home!

Japanese like to drink with vegetables: the perfect side dishes

What’s your favourite beer snack? Chips? Fries? Nuts? Cheese?…the list goes on. But how about drinking beer with vegetables?

It might seem a bit unusual, but in Japan, there are a lot of vegetable dishes that are considered “beer snacks”. Here are a few popular choices to enjoy with a drink:

• Cucumber Pickles
• Potato Salad
• Edamame
• Yamitsuki Cabbage

Sure, the majority of food on the table would be meat and fish but there’s always one or two in your group saying “Shouldn’t we get some veg?” or “How about something refreshing?”. It’s good to have balance after all!

Ingredients to make this Japanese garlic shio cabbage

While some places keep it simple and just add salt, pepper and sesame oil to their yamitsuki cabbage, I used a couple of extra ingredients to turn this simple dish into the ultimate umami bomb!

• Garlic paste adds a new element of flavour
• Chicken bouillon powder adds depth and umami (I use the Chinese soup stock called “Youki Garasupu“)
• Chili threads for decoration and a spicy kick

I recommend mixing the ingredients altogether in a small bowl and then adding it to the cabbage (despite what I do on the video.) Mixing the seasonings first helps evenly distribute the flavors when you add the cabbage and using your hands to mix ensures all the leaves are covered.

Here is the complete ingredient list for this recipe. (Check the recipe card below for the measurements!)

• Cabbage
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Chicken Bouillon Powder (I use Youki Garasupu)
• Salt
• Garlic paste (can be freshly grated garlic cloves)
• Black pepper
• Chili threads (optional)

Type of cabbage to use for this recipe

Cabbage types can differ based on where you live, but for this no-cook dish, I recommend using soft, green cabbage that is suitable to use raw instead of white, red, or napa cabbage.

If you’re in Japan, the best option I recommend is “spring cabbage (春キャベツ),” harvested during springtime. When I lived in the UK I used to use a type called “Sweeheart cabbage” (also known as pointed / hispi cabbage or sugarloaf).

Other ingredient ideas to customize the flavour

We all have unique taste buds, and that’s what makes yamitsuki cabbage so awesome! It has a simple base, letting you mix and match ingredients and seasonings to create your perfect dish.

Here are some popular add-ins you might find at Japanese izakayas or even in home kitchens:

• Shio kombu (A Japanese ingredient made from dried seaweed cooked with salt. It is rich in flavor and gives food a deep taste.): for extra complex umami for your cabbage.
• Soy sauce: Be careful not to add too much though, a dash would be enough.
• Ground white pepper: instead of black pepper for stronger peppery taste.
• Rice vinegar: Again, be careful not to add too much because it might overpower the dish, a dash would be enough.
• Sugar: A pinch to add tiny bit of sweetness.
• Tobanjan: Add a very small amount for spiciness.
• Kombucha powder: Add a small amount for extra umami bomb.

Remember, don’t add all the ingredients at once. Instead, add a little at a time and taste as you go to avoid making your dish too salty or in case some particular flavor becomes too strong. I recommend starting with the basic recipe on the recipe card below if you make use this recipe for the first time!

Adjusting its saltiness

Japanese people are known for their love for salty food, but it’s easy to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. Feel free to reduce the salt and chicken stock if it’s too salty for you.

Instructions on how to make izakaya salted cabbage

Making izakaya style yamitsuki cabbage couldn’t be simpler! It also only takes 5 minutes. Here are 3 simple steps, see the recipe card below for the ingredient quantities.

Mix condiments in a bowl

Mix the sesame oil, sesame seeds, chicken bouillon powder, salt, garlic paste and black pepper in a bowl. This step is a little different to my original video but I find by mixing all the condiments beforehand, the flavours are more evenly distributed through the dish.

Cut the cabbage

Roughly cut the cabbage and add it to the bowl. Mix everything together by hand, this will ensure all the cabbage pieces are evenly covered.

If you have any cuts on your hands, make sure they’re covered or alternatively wear gloves.

Dish up

Transfer to a serving dish.

I like to decorate the top with chili threads for a pop of colour and spicy kick, but this is optional!

I hope you enjoy this super easy but equally delicious Izakaya style yamitsuki cabbage! If you try the recipe, let me know what you thought in the comments. Enjoy!