Turnips with Spicy Meyer Lemon Dressing

A Japanese-inspired dish featuring roasted hakurei turnips and their greens, dressed with a complex umami-rich sauce made from bonito flakes, soy sauce, and bright Meyer lemon. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

4 servings
1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bonito flakes
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup usukuchi (light) soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
  • 1 Tbsp ichimi togarashi
  • 4 whole Meyer lemons
  • 2 bunches hakurei turnips with tops
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Toasted sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Grind bonito flakes in a spice mill or blender until finely ground (you should have about 2 Tbsp.). Bring ground bonito, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and togarashi to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring often, until reduced by a third, 12-15 minutes. Pour dressing into a small bowl; cover and chill until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days. Stir in lemon zest and juice.

    45 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, separate tops from turnips. Trim stems from leaves; discard. Coarsely chop leaves. Cut turnips into 1" wedges. Toss turnips and leaves with oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season lightly with salt (the dressing is salty). Roast, tossing halfway through, until leaves are wilted and turnips have taken on a touch of color, 12-15 minutes.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer turnips and leaves to a platter; spoon some of the dressing over (you'll have extra). Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

    5 min