Aromatic Seasoned Chamnamul (Korean Potherb Salad)
How to Make Delicious Chamnamul Salad and its Health Benefits
For those who adore the fresh, herbaceous aroma of chamnamul, this recipe is perfect as it omits chili powder, allowing the subtle fragrance to shine through. This seasoned chamnamul makes a wonderful side dish or can be a delightful addition to a bibimbap. Imagine topping it off with a fried egg and a drizzle of sesame oil for a truly scrumptious meal!
Main Ingredients
- Chamnamul (Korean Potherb) 150g
Seasoning
- Anchovy fish sauce 0.5 Tbsp (0.5-0.8 Tbsp)
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
- Anchovy fish sauce 0.5 Tbsp (0.5-0.8 Tbsp)
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly rinse the fresh chamnamul under running water multiple times to remove any soil. Ensure it’s completely clean, as this herb can sometimes hold onto dirt.
Step 2
Gently shake off excess water from the cleaned chamnamul. Trim off any yellowed roots or wilted leaves for a neater appearance and better flavor.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Salting the water helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the chamnamul and adds a subtle seasoning.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared chamnamul and blanch for just 30 seconds. It’s crucial to be quick; overcooking will make the chamnamul mushy and lose its pleasant crispness.
Step 5
Immediately transfer the blanched chamnamul to a bowl of cold water. Give it a good rinse under cold running water or let it soak for a minute. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and preserves the crunchy texture.
Step 6
Gather the cooled chamnamul with both hands and gently but firmly squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess water will dilute the seasoning and affect the final taste.
Step 7
Place the squeezed chamnamul in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: anchovy fish sauce (0.5-0.8 Tbsp, adjust to your preference), minced garlic (0.5 Tbsp), sesame oil (1 Tbsp), and toasted sesame seeds (0.5 Tbsp). Gently toss everything together until well combined. The fragrant sesame oil and nutty sesame seeds will create a delightful flavor profile for your delicious chamnamul salad.
