Tangy and Sweet Season’s Best Laver Salad Recipe
Make a Refreshing Laver Salad – The Best Side Dish of the Season!
Fresh laver, a winter delicacy, is abundant in markets right now as it’s in season! For all the home cooks wondering ‘What side dish should I make today?’, here’s a recipe for a simple, affordable, and delicious laver salad. Its tangy and sweet flavor is incredibly appetizing, making it a perfect rice accompaniment. Even though it’s easy to make, the taste is exceptional. Let’s create a bountiful meal with this wonderful laver salad!
Main Ingredients- 3 bundles of fresh laver
- 100-200g of Korean radish (mu)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 10cm scallion, finely chopped
Radish Brining Seasoning- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, julienne the Korean radish using a mandoline or knife. In a bowl, combine the radish with 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp vinegar, and 1 Tbsp salt. Gently mix and let it brine for about 10 minutes. This process draws out excess water, making the radish crisper and tastier.
Step 2
Finely chop the scallion, including both the white and green parts. The aromatic flavor of the scallions will enhance the overall taste of the laver salad.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the laver. Place the 3 bundles of laver in a bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp of coarse salt and gently rub the laver with the salt. Laver can be a bit slimy like seaweed; washing with salt helps remove impurities and cleans the surface. Be careful not to rub too vigorously, as this can break down the laver.
Step 4
Rinse the salted laver thoroughly under running water multiple times. It’s crucial to rinse until the water runs clear to remove any residual saltiness, which could make the salad too salty. This step ensures the fresh, oceanic flavor of the laver shines through.
Step 5
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the rinsed laver. Excess water can dilute the seasoning. Similarly, squeeze out the water from the brined radish strips. Don’t squeeze too hard, or the radish might become mushy.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to combine and season all the ingredients. Place the squeezed laver and radish into a large bowl. Add the 2 Tbsp of minced garlic and the chopped scallions.
Step 7
Finally, add the remaining seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp vinegar, and 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the laver and radish. Avoid overmixing.
Step 8
Voilà! Your delicious and refreshing season’s best laver salad is ready. The aroma alone is mouthwatering! Enjoy the wonderful combination of fresh laver and crisp radish. It’s truly a delight!
