Meal for One: Miso Flank Steak with Yuzu Kosho Wasabi + Sesame Salad

Cooking a meal at home for one isn’t always easy — sometimes the portions feel too big, sometimes lazy then just grab takeaway, if cooking at home II just mix everything in one bowl. But today, I felt like making a proper Japanese-inspired rice meal just for myself.

The menu: Miso-marinated flank steak with yuzu kosho wasabi sauce, served with salad in toasted sesame dressing. One protein, one salad, and a bowl of rice. For me this is a perfect solo dinner idea when I want something balanced. The miso steak is umami-rich and bold, the yuzu kosho wasabi adds a spicy citrus punch, and the sesame salad keeps everything light and refreshing.

It’s not Vietnamese food this time — just a little Japanese-inspired meal for one. Simple, quick, but feels like a proper dinner.

Miso Flank Steak

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 200g Australian flank steak

Miso Marinade

• 2 tsp white miso

• 2 tsp Japanese soy sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 2 tsp mirin (optional: add sake for deeper flavor)

• 1 tsp caster sugar

Steps

1. Marinate flank steak with the miso mixture for 20–30 minutes.

2. Slice garlic and fry in hot oil until golden. Remove garlic, but keep the oil.

3. In the garlic oil, pan-sear the steak for about 3 minutes per side. Rest well, then slice thinly.

Yuzu Kosho Wasabi Sauce

• 1 small pump of wasabi (instant tube kind works)

• 2 tbsp yuzu kosho

• 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed

Mix everything well. Pour over the sliced steak and garnish with crispy garlic.

(Meanwhile, cook rice in the rice cooker — fluffy white rice is the perfect pairing!)

Flank steak marinated in miso

Toasted Sesame Salad

Dressing

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame (ground in a mortar)

• 1 pump Japanese mayo

• 2 tsp vinegar

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp grain mustard

Mix everything until smooth and nutty.

Salad Base
Cherry tomatoes + mixed greens (or whatever’s in the fridge). Toss with dressing right before serving.