Aromatic Spring Delight: Seasoned Chwinamul with Apple Recipe
How to Make Seasoned Chwinamul, a Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe
This recipe features fresh chwinamul (Korean aster), which is abundant in our garden right now, though the stems are shorter than store-bought varieties. Nevertheless, I love its flavor and have chopped some to mix with thinly sliced apple. While chwinamul can be blanched and seasoned, I find it tastes much more refreshing and delicious when eaten raw, either in a salad or simply seasoned. When I make seasoned chwinamul, I often add apple and onion if I have them at home. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly tasty side dish!
Main Ingredients- Chwinamul (Korean Aster) 100g
- Apple 1/2 medium
- Onion 1/4 medium
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp (for initial washing)
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Fish Sauce (Anchovy/Tuna) 1 Tbsp
- Plum Extract 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp (for dressing)
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Fish Sauce (Anchovy/Tuna) 1 Tbsp
- Plum Extract 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp (for dressing)
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the fresh chwinamul about three times under cold running water until the water runs clear, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Next, soak the chwinamul in a bowl of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 5 minutes. This helps to remove any residual pesticides or impurities. After soaking, rinse it again thoroughly under running water and gently shake off excess moisture or lightly squeeze it.
Step 2
Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the washed chwinamul. Removing as much water as possible is crucial, as excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the dish less flavorful.
Step 3
Peel the apple, remove the core, and slice it thinly into matchsticks, similar in length to the chwinamul. Thinly slice the onion as well. Adding apple and onion provides a wonderful crisp texture and a natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. These form the flavorful base of the seasoning.
Step 5
Add the remaining seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon of plum extract (for sweetness and shine), 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic (for aroma), and 0.5 tablespoon of sugar (to balance sweetness). You can adjust the sugar to your preference.
Step 6
Stir the dressing ingredients well with a spoon until thoroughly combined. Once the dressing is ready, add the thinly sliced onion and apple. Gently toss them with the dressing to ensure they are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the vegetables.
Step 7
After gently mixing the apple and onion with the dressing, add the drained chwinamul. Combine everything by tossing very gently. The aim is to coat the chwinamul without crushing its delicate leaves, preserving its fresh texture.
Step 8
Once all ingredients are perfectly seasoned and mixed, transfer the seasoned chwinamul to a serving plate. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Your delicious chwinamul salad is now ready to be served!
Step 9
This simple and refreshing seasoned chwinamul is a fantastic side dish that will stimulate your appetite, especially on days when you feel like you have nothing to eat. It’s perfect for a quick side or even as a light salad.
Step 10
With chwinamul in season and tasting its best, try making this delightful chwinamul salad or seasoned dish to enjoy with your family. It’s a wonderful way to savor the fresh flavors of spring!
