Crisp and Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori)
A Recipe for Lettuce Salad to Cut Through Richness When Eating Meat
When eating meat, I make geotjeori to reduce the feeling of heaviness, and today I’m introducing a recipe for lettuce geotjeori. This refreshing salad perfectly complements hearty meat dishes, cleansing your palate with its crisp texture and tangy dressing.
Ingredients- 300g Lettuce (a generous handful)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (or 5 cloves of garlic, minced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh lettuce. Gently wash each leaf under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Rinse thoroughly and lightly pat dry. Avoid squeezing out too much water, as this helps the dressing adhere better.
Step 2
Place the washed lettuce in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a mild heat and 1 tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the sugar amount to your preference – a little less is fine if you prefer it less sweet.
Step 3
Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for savory depth. Using regular soy sauce will provide a richer flavor. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce quantity to suit your taste.
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for aromatic flavor. I personally like to mince about 5 cloves of fresh garlic for this recipe, but store-bought minced garlic is also convenient. The garlic’s fragrance will add complexity to the salad.
Step 5
Gently toss the lettuce with the dressing ingredients until evenly coated. Be careful not to bruise the lettuce; use a gentle motion to mix. Ensure the dressing is distributed well amongst the leaves.
Step 6
Once the ingredients are well combined, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil as the final touch for nutty aroma and flavor. Toss gently one more time. Adding sesame oil at the end helps preserve its fragrant essence.
Step 7
Your delicious lettuce salad is ready! Transfer the geotjeori to a serving dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. The nutty crunch of the seeds enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 8
Serve this refreshing lettuce salad with warm rice, grilled meats like pork belly (samgyeopsal) or ribs, or any of your favorite dishes. Its crisp texture and bright, zesty dressing will cut through richness and awaken your appetite. Enjoy your meal!
