Japanese Marinated Shiso Cherry Tomato Salad

This Japanese Shiso Tomato Salad, or Perilla Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, is the best way to get my appetite started in the summer. The tomatoes soak up the tangy, sweet, and savoury plum honey marinade, along with the fragrance of perilla leaves. With a satisfying little pop when you bite into one, these tomatoes are actually super addicting. They are light, refreshing, and perfect for meal prep. They taste even better after resting in the fridge overnight!

Japanese Shiso Tomato Salad: Summer Tomato Side Dish

When cherry tomatoes are sweetest in the summer season, it’s the best time to make Japanese Shiso Tomato Salad or Shiso-zuke Tomatoes しそ漬けトマト. This is a popular side dish you’ll find everywhere in Japan from izakayas to family dinner tables. I had this for the first time in Osaka, and I’ve been testing the recipe for it ever since. It’s actually super easy to make at home! In fact, this is one of those dishes that’s much better after sitting overnight in your fridge.

This Japanese Shiso Tomato Salad is part of my delicious Salmon Poke Bowl Full Meal Plan for 2, a new series where I cook a main dish and 2 sides for Dom and I!

Ingredients For Perilla Tomato Salad

Cherry Tomatoes On the Vine

For this salad, my favorite type of tomato has to be cherry tomatoes. They’re particularly sweet compared to other varieties, and has a delicious pop once you bite into it. If you can, try to find them on-the-vine. The best ones to pick are clusters with deep red colors, nice green stems, and a slight tomato scent. The tomatoes themselves shouldn’t be too soft, but just firm enough to have a little give. You can also make this recipe with slices of tomatoes, but you’ll be missing that signature pop after it marinates.

Shiso Or Perilla leaves

Shiso 紫蘇 is Japanese Perilla Leaves, which are often used as a garnish in Japanese cuisine. The leaves have a strong floral aroma that’s described as a mix of mint, basil, and anise. You’ll often find Shiso served with sashimi, or added to salads or vegetables with mild flavors. Paired with ripe tomatoes, it brings out the sweetness and makes it feel even more refreshing. In this salad, we slice them super thinly so it infuses well into the sauce.

Honey Plum Marinade

The honey plum marinade is a soy-based marinade for the tomatoes that doubles as a dressing for this salad. It’s fruity and tart with a hint of plum flavor. But it’s still savory enough to help bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes more. If you let the tomatoes sit overnight, they will be saturated with this flavor by the morning!

It’s perfect to add to a traditional Japanese breakfast! If you’re not sure how, check out my Full Traditional Japanese Breakfast Guide!

How To Make Easy Perilla Tomato Salad

1. Peel the tomatoes
   Place the cherry tomatoes in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath for another 2 minutes. The skins should peel off easily.
2. Make the marinade
   In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, plum syrup, rice vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Taste to see if you want any extra seasoning 
3. Marinate
   Add the peeled tomatoes and sliced perilla or shiso leaves to the marinade. Gently mix until everything is coated.
4. Let it rest
   Cover and let the tomatoes marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavour.
5. Serve
   Before serving, top with chopped green onion and enjoy chilled.

More Summer Recipes to Stock Your Fridge With

These summer recipes make it so easy to meal prep, and store them chilled in the fridge. Then, I can have cold summertime side dishes anytime I want. I used these ideas recently to meal plan a full Salmon Poke meal for 2 people! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to prepare a full meal with these simple dishes.