Fragrant Seasoned Chamnamul (Korean Potherb Salad)
Easy & Aromatic Chamnamul Salad: A Quick Side Dish
Enjoy the unique, refreshing aroma and slightly bitter taste of chamnamul by making this simple yet flavorful seasoned salad. It’s a perfect side dish to awaken your appetite, especially with seasonal spring vegetables.
Main Ingredients- 500g Chamnamul (Korean Potherb, choose fresh and tender leaves)
- 1 Red chili pepper (for color)
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse sea salt (for blanching)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (for nutty and fragrant flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (for nutty and fragrant flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the chamnamul by cleaning it thoroughly. Remove any yellow or wilted leaves, and trim off the tough ends of the stems. This step ensures a clean and pleasant texture for your salad.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add 1/2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. Adding salt helps the chamnamul retain its vibrant green color and crispness. Once boiling, add the prepared chamnamul and blanch for just 3 seconds, flipping it once. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy! Immediately remove the blanched chamnamul and rinse it under cold running water twice to cool it down. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly; this is crucial for the seasoning to adhere well and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 3
Cut the squeezed chamnamul into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm in length. Remove the seeds from the red chili pepper and mince it finely; this adds a lovely color contrast. In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chamnamul, minced red chili pepper, and the seasoning ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, and 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Step 4
Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands, applying a bit of pressure. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the chamnamul without crushing the leaves. Mixing by hand allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5
Your fragrant chamnamul salad is now complete! Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt if you prefer it saltier. Enjoy it tailored to your preference.
Step 6
The vibrant green of the chamnamul beautifully contrasts with the bright red of the minced chili pepper, making this dish visually appealing. The delightful herbal aroma will stimulate your appetite, and the crisp texture makes this chamnamul salad a wonderfully healthy and delicious addition to your meal.
