Blanched Scallion and Gim (Seaweed) Salad
How to Make Blanched Scallion and Gim Salad: The Perfect Pairing of Aromatic Scallions and Savory Gim
I made a blanched scallion and gim (seaweed) salad that’s wonderfully chewy and subtly sweet. This simple yet delicious side dish is so appealing, you’ll find yourself finishing a whole bowl of rice with it.
Main Ingredients- 300g fresh scallions
- 1 handful of gim flakes (seasoned or roasted seaweed, finely crumbled)
Seasoning- 1/3 tsp salt (or regular salt, adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp sesame seeds (freshly ground for extra nuttiness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a rich, nutty aroma)
- 1/3 tsp salt (or regular salt, adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp sesame seeds (freshly ground for extra nuttiness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a rich, nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh scallions. Since the roots can trap a lot of dirt, trim off the very end of the roots and rinse them carefully under running water to remove any debris. This step is crucial for cleanliness.
Step 2
Cut the prepared scallions into bite-sized pieces, about 4 to 5 cm long. If they are too long, they can be difficult to eat, and too short might compromise the texture. Aim for a moderate length.
Step 3
Next, let’s prepare the water for blanching the scallions. In a wok or a deep pot, add enough water to generously cover the scallions and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the cut scallions. Here’s the key: dip the tougher root ends first, then add the leafy parts, stir just once, and immediately remove them. Avoid over-blanching, as they will become too soft!
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the scallions under cold water to cool them down, then gently squeeze out excess water. Be careful not to wring them out too forcefully, as this can release a sticky sap. Just remove the excess moisture.
Step 6
Tip! If blanching in water feels like too much hassle, you can use a microwave. Place the prepared scallions on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 1 minute. This is a quick way to cook them. However, note that microwaving can cause some moisture to evaporate, so it’s best used when you plan to eat the salad soon after.
Step 7
Transfer the drained scallions to a large mixing bowl. Gently loosen any clumps of scallions to ensure the seasoning will be evenly distributed.
Step 8
The secret to a delicious salad is nutty sesame seeds! Take 3 tablespoons of whole sesame seeds and freshly grind them using a blender or mortar and pestle. Freshly ground sesame seeds offer a superior flavor, making your salad even more delicious.
Step 9
Add the prepared ground sesame seeds to the bowl with the scallions and gently mix. Coating the scallions with sesame seeds first helps to absorb the moisture released from them, resulting in a cleaner and tastier salad.
Step 10
After mixing with the sesame seeds, add about one handful of gim flakes. Keep in mind that most store-bought gim flakes are already seasoned, so consider this when adding them and mix gently together.
Step 11
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning. If needed, add about 1/3 teaspoon of salt (or regular salt) and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to finish. The saltiness can vary depending on the freshness of the scallions and the seasoning of the gim flakes, so always taste and adjust the amount of salt to your preference. Adding sesame oil enhances the shine and nutty aroma, completing the dish.
Step 12
Gently toss everything together until well combined, and your delicious scallion and gim salad is ready!
Step 13
This blanched scallion salad is not spicy at all and retains the subtle sweetness and fresh aroma of the scallions, making it a delightful side dish that everyone, young and old, can enjoy.
