Crispy and Refreshing Korean Onion Salad (Yangpa Geotjeori)
Chef Han Myung-sook’s Signature Sweet & Spicy Onion Salad from ‘The Best Cooking Secrets’
Hello! ‘Food is power!’ Today, we’re diving into a fantastic recipe for ‘Yangpa Geotjeori’ (Spicy Scallion Salad) from the renowned show ‘The Best Cooking Secrets,’ featuring Chef Han Myung-sook. This side dish boasts a wonderfully crisp texture and a vibrant sweet and spicy dressing that makes it an absolute must-have with any meal!
Main Ingredients- 500g Onion (about 3 medium onions)
- 15g Scallions (or 1/2 white part of a large leek)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the onions. Peel and wash them thoroughly. To make slicing easier and more uniform, try to separate the outer layers from the inner ones. Cut the onions into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5 cm thick. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they might become mushy.
Step 2
Place the cut onions into a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial for reducing the onion’s pungency and enhancing its crispness.
Step 3
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fish sauce evenly over the onions. The fish sauce will help draw out moisture from the onions and add a rich umami flavor. Let the onions sit and marinate for about 20 to 30 minutes. Giving them a stir halfway through can help them marinate more evenly.
Step 4
While the onions are marinating, let’s make the delicious dressing. In a separate small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger, 2 tablespoons of maesil cheong (plum syrup), and 1 tablespoon of oligodang (corn syrup or similar sweetener). These ingredients will add sweetness and depth. Add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds as well. Mix everything well and let the seasoning mixture rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the scallions, which will add freshness to our onion salad. Wash the scallions thoroughly and trim off the roots. Cut them into segments about 3-4 cm long, suitable for a bite. The recipe mentions that the white part of a large leek can be used as an alternative to scallions, so feel free to choose based on your preference. If using leek, cut it into similar lengths as the scallions.
Step 6
After the onions have been marinating for 20-30 minutes, drain off any excess liquid. Add the prepared dressing to the slightly drained onions. Gently toss everything together with your hands, ensuring the dressing coats the onions evenly. Finally, add the chopped scallions (or leek) and mix lightly one more time. Your delicious Yangpa Geotjeori is ready! You can serve it immediately, or let it sit for a little while to allow the flavors to deepen further. Enjoy!
