Tempura Kale Salad With Shiitake Mushrooms, Raisins, and Almonds

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop; set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high until oil begins to glisten, about 1 minute. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and transfer to a plate; set aside.

Step 3

Wipe out pot and pour in canola oil to a depth of 2"; fit pot with thermometer. Heat oil over medium-high until thermometer registers 350°F.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cut 3 cups kale leaves into 1" pieces. Thinly slice remaining leaves and set aside separately.

Step 5

Combine sparkling water, 1/2 cup rice flour, and 3/4 tsp. salt with a fork in a medium bowl. Toss 1" piece kale leaves, 2 1/4 cups kale stems, and remaining 2 Tbsp. rice flour in another medium bowl. Pour sparkling water mixture over kale, then massage into kale with your hands, coating completely.

Step 6

Working in batches, fry battered kale until golden, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels and season with salt.

Step 7

Blend vinegar, honey, miso, sesame oil, 1/8 tsp. white pepper, 3/4 cup kale stems, and remaining 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a blender until smooth.

Step 8

Massage three-quarters of the dressing into reserved sliced kale leaves in a large bowl. Add reserved mushrooms, three-quarters of the tempura kale, and half of the raisins and reserved almonds; toss to combine. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Transfer to a platter, then top with remaining raisins, almonds, and tempura kale. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

Do Ahead

Step 9

Dressing can be made 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Kale can be prepped 1 day ahead; store in airtight containers and chill.