Gently Blanched and Seasoned Amaranth Leaves (Bireum Namul Muchim)
A Wholesome and Delicious Side Dish: Amaranth Leaves Salad
Experience the wonderfully soft texture of amaranth leaves. Their vibrant green color is sure to lift your spirits before you even take a bite! The savory notes from the fish sauce, combined with the gentle spice of chili powder, create an irresistible flavor. This is a delightful and healthy banchan that’s perfect for any meal. ♥
Ingredients- 150g fresh amaranth leaves
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted perilla seeds (powdered)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, check the freshness of the amaranth leaves. If the stems feel tough or fibrous when you touch them, you can gently scrape them with the back of a knife or trim off any particularly tough parts. Prepare the leaves by trimming as needed.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 1/2 Tbsp of salt. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared amaranth leaves. Blanch them on high heat for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds. Be mindful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, transfer the amaranth leaves to a bowl of cold water. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to cool them down quickly and remove any residual impurities. Once cooled, gently gather the leaves and squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Excess water can dilute the seasoning.
Step 4
Place the squeezed amaranth leaves in a mixing bowl. Add the fish sauce (for umami), chili powder (for a touch of heat), and minced garlic (for its pungent aroma). Gently toss everything together with your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the leaves.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle in the toasted perilla seed powder for a nutty aroma and drizzle with sesame oil. Mix gently one more time to combine all the flavors. Your delicious amaranth leaves salad is now ready! It’s great served immediately or chilled for a slightly different flavor profile.
