Steps

1. Remove the pits from 2 pickled plums (umeboshi) and mash them into a paste with a knife.
   🕒 02:24
2. Place the mashed pickled plums into a large bowl.
   🕒 02:53
3. Add 2 tsp mentsuyu (noodle soup base), 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tsp vinegar, 1.5 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp grated garlic, and black pepper to taste to the bowl. Mix well until the sugar granules dissolve. **(Key Tip!)** Making the dressing beforehand helps the flavors meld better.
   🕒 03:05
4. Wash 1/2 head of cabbage (400g) and pat it dry.
   🕒 03:34
5. Cut off the core of the cabbage and separate the leaves from the core.
   🕒 03:43
6. Tear the cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces by hand and add them to the bowl. **(Key Tip!)** Tearing by hand creates jagged edges that absorb flavor better.
   🕒 04:19
7. Thinly slice the cabbage core. **(Key Tip!)** Even the tough core can be delicious when sliced thinly.
   🕒 05:05
8. Add the sliced core, 4g bonito flakes (katsuobushi), 10g salted kelp, 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, and 1 tbsp fried garlic to the bowl.
   🕒 05:25
9. Mix everything thoroughly. **(Key Tip!)** If it's difficult to mix with a spatula, use your hands or a large zip-top bag or pot. Be careful not to overmix, as it can release too much moisture.
   🕒 05:35
10. Once everything is combined, the addictive cabbage salad is ready. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
    🕒 06:17
11. You can eat it right away, but letting it sit for 20-30 minutes will allow the flavors to meld further.
    🕒 06:29
12. Trim the core from 1/4 onion and slice it thinly.
    🕒 07:18
13. Spread the sliced onion on a tray and let it air out for 30 minutes to remove its pungent flavor.
    🕒 07:32
14. **(For a quicker method)** Pour water over the onion, add about 1 tsp vinegar, mix lightly, let it soak for 5 minutes, then drain and thoroughly pat dry.
    🕒 07:52
15. Add 200g of the addictive cabbage salad and the prepared onion to a bowl.
    🕒 08:33
16. Pat dry 150g of cotton tofu and tear it into large pieces by hand to help it absorb flavor, then add it to the bowl.
    🕒 08:51
17. Add 1 tbsp mayonnaise and 1/2 tsp doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) to the bowl and mix everything well. **(Key Tip!)** If you don't like a spicy kick, you can omit the doubanjiang and it will still be delicious.
    🕒 09:01
18. Once everything is combined, the arranged addictive cabbage salad is ready.
    🕒 09:10