Spicy and Tangy Korean Chive Salad (Buchu Muchim)
A Delicious Side Dish to Pair with Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly)
Enjoy this refreshing and crisp Korean chive salad, perfect for cutting through rich, fatty meats. Buchu Muchim is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that elevates any Korean barbecue experience. Its bright, slightly spicy, and tangy notes complement dishes like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and dweji galbi (pork ribs) beautifully. Easy to make, it’s also a fantastic everyday banchan (side dish).
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh Korean chives (about 200g)
- Clean water
- A splash of vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chives. Trim off any yellow or wilted leaves and wash them thoroughly under running water. For an extra clean rinse, soak the chives in water with a tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes, then rinse again under cool water. Drain them well. Cut the chives into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) long.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the flavorful dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil. While minced garlic is often used in Korean cooking, it’s typically omitted in this chive salad to highlight the chives’ fresh flavor. However, if you enjoy a hint of garlic, feel free to add a tiny amount.
Step 3
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. Mixing the dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring a more delicious final dish.
Step 4
Add the drained chives to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Gently toss the chives with the dressing, being careful not to mash them. Use a lifting and folding motion to coat the chives evenly. Toss for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the chives are coated. Over-mixing can cause the chives to release too much water, making them less crisp. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch. Serve immediately alongside grilled meats like samgyeopsal for a perfectly balanced meal!
