Aromatic Wild Chive Soy Sauce Dressing
Homemade Recipe: How to Make Delicious Wild Chive Soy Sauce Dressing with Roasted Gim (Korean Seaweed)
Received some delicious roasted gim as a gift! Wild chives (dallae) are in season during spring, but they are readily available in supermarkets these days. This wild chive soy sauce dressing has a slightly pungent yet refreshing flavor. For my little ones, I make a milder version of this wild chive sauce. Enjoy this wonderful Korean side dish with warm, freshly cooked rice or crispy roasted seaweed!
Ingredients- 1 bunch wild chives (dallae)
- Roasted gim (Korean seaweed, for serving)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s thoroughly clean the wild chives. Submerge the root part in water and shake vigorously to remove any dirt or debris. This step requires a bit of patience, but it’s essential for a clean-tasting dressing.
Step 2
Fill a medium-sized bowl with enough water to cover the wild chives. Gently swish them from root to tip, rinsing them 3-4 times. Make sure to clean the roots well, as they tend to hold onto dirt.
Step 3
Using your fingernail or a small knife, carefully scrape off any remaining soil or blemishes from the root parts of the wild chives.
Step 4
Peel off the thin outer skin from the wild chive roots. This will make them softer and cleaner to eat. Remove any tough or fibrous parts.
Step 5
After cleaning, place the wild chives back in water and add 1 tablespoon (a standard Korean rice spoon) of vinegar. Let them soak for about 5 minutes. Soaking in vinegar water helps to mellow the pungent flavor of the chives and also has a sanitizing effect.
Step 6
Rinse the wild chives again under cold running water, then drain them thoroughly in a colander. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible, as this can dilute the dressing’s flavor.
Step 7
Gently press the root ends of the drained wild chives with the back of a knife to lightly mash them. This helps to release more of their flavor and aroma into the dressing.
Step 8
Chop the wild chives, including the mashed roots, into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 cm long. Place the chopped chives in a medium bowl.
Step 9
Now, let’s make the delicious soy sauce dressing. In a small glass bowl, add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. You can use either regular or seasoned soy sauce.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce for an extra umami boost. If you don’t have fish sauce, soup soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but the depth of flavor might differ slightly.
Step 11
Stir in 1 tablespoon of plum extract for sweetness and a pleasant fruity note. This can also act as a sweetener instead of sugar and helps balance the overall taste.
Step 12
Add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin) to help remove any potential ‘green’ smell and enhance the overall aroma.
Step 13
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide for a nice sheen and mild sweetness. You can substitute this with corn syrup or sugar, adjusting the amount to your preference.
Step 14
Add 0.5 tablespoon (half a tablespoon) of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma.
Step 15
If you like a touch of spice, add 0.5 tablespoon (half a tablespoon) of red pepper flakes. For children, it’s best to omit this or use only a tiny pinch. Finally, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 16
Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in the bowl until well combined. Ensure there are no clumps of seasoning for a smooth, even flavor.
Step 17
Pour the prepared soy sauce dressing over the chopped wild chives. Your fragrant and flavorful wild chive dressing is now ready! Serve it over warm rice with roasted gim for a delightful meal.
