Crunchy Oriental Pickling Melon and Chives Salad: Super Simple Instant Kimchi!
Crunchy Oriental Pickling Melon and Chives Salad Recipe
Introducing ‘Oriental Pickling Melon and Chives Salad’, a wonderful dish to enjoy as a special side. This salad combines the crispness of melon with the fragrant chives, creating a fresh and delicious instant pickled melon-like dish. It’s delicious eaten fresh, and you can make a generous batch to store in the refrigerator for longer enjoyment. With just a few tips, you can create an even crunchier and tastier salad!
Main Ingredients- 2 Oriental Pickling Melons (Gashio-oi)
- 50g fresh Chives
- 1 Tbsp coarse Sea Salt for pickling the melon
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp fine Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp savory Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced Garlic (generous amount)
- 1 Tbsp sweet Sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted Sesame Seeds (generous amount)
- 2 Tbsp fine Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp savory Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced Garlic (generous amount)
- 1 Tbsp sweet Sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted Sesame Seeds (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s important to wash the 2 Oriental Pickling Melons thoroughly. Soak them in cold water with a little vinegar for about 5 minutes, then gently scrub the surface with a soft sponge. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the melon’s skin. Wash the chives cleanly in running water and drain them well. This prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Step 2
Cut the prepared Oriental Pickling Melons in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to gently scrape out the seeds from the center. Removing the seeds results in a cleaner texture and less moisture, making it better for longer storage.
Step 3
Slice the deseeded melon into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm thick). Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to the sliced melon and mix well. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to lightly pickle. This process makes the melon even crunchier and draws out excess moisture.
Step 4
Rinse the pickled melon lightly under running water to remove the saltiness, then drain it thoroughly in a colander. Residual water can make the salad watery, so gently squeezing the melon by hand is also recommended.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of fine Gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of Anchovy Sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Mix them well. Crushing the sesame seeds before adding will enhance their nutty flavor.
Step 6
Add the drained melon to the seasoning bowl. First, gently toss the melon with the seasoning until it’s evenly coated. Stir to ensure the melon is beautifully colored with the Gochugaru.
Step 7
Once the melon is nicely colored red, add the chopped chives (cut into about 3-4cm lengths). Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix the chives, as they can become limp. The key is to preserve the fresh aroma and crisp texture of the chives.
Step 8
Lightly toss until all ingredients are combined, and your delicious Oriental Pickling Melon and Chives Salad is ready! You can enjoy it fresh right away, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days while maintaining its crispness. It’s a fantastic side dish that perfectly complements any meal!
