Aromatic Wild Garlic Soy Sauce Dip
Elevate Your Holiday Feast! The Perfect Wild Garlic Soy Sauce Recipe
This recipe was created to make a delicious dipping sauce for all sorts of holiday pancakes (jeon). It perfectly complements the savory flavors of traditional Korean holiday dishes.
Main Ingredients- 2 bunches fresh wild garlic (dudlae), cleaned
Seasoning Ingredients- 10 Tbsp soy sauce (standard serving spoon size)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce or sand lance sauce (standard serving spoon size)
- 1 tsp sugar (teaspoon size)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (standard serving spoon size)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (standard serving spoon size)
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (roasted or crushed, standard serving spoon size)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (standard serving spoon size)
- 8 Tbsp water (standard serving spoon size, or up to 10 Tbsp for a milder taste)
- 10 Tbsp soy sauce (standard serving spoon size)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce or sand lance sauce (standard serving spoon size)
- 1 tsp sugar (teaspoon size)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (standard serving spoon size)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (standard serving spoon size)
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (roasted or crushed, standard serving spoon size)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (standard serving spoon size)
- 8 Tbsp water (standard serving spoon size, or up to 10 Tbsp for a milder taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start preparing the fragrant wild garlic! First, rinse the wild garlic thoroughly under running water to remove any soil or debris.
Step 2
Soaking the rinsed wild garlic in water for a short while will make it much easier to peel off the outer skin and clean the roots. Let it soak for about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Gently rub the roots of the soaked wild garlic to remove any remaining dirt. Trim off any tough root ends or wilted leaves. Using only the tender parts of the wild garlic ensures a pleasant texture.
Step 4
Place the cleaned wild garlic on a colander and let it drain well. Excess water can dilute the flavor of the soy sauce, so shake it gently to remove as much water as possible.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to cut the wild garlic into bite-sized pieces. I prefer the slightly chewy texture, so I cut it into about 2cm lengths. If you prefer a softer texture, feel free to cut it into 1cm pieces.
Step 6
In a wide bowl, let’s prepare the soy sauce mixture. Start by adding 10 tablespoons of soy sauce (using a standard serving spoon).
Step 7
Add 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce or sand lance sauce for a boost of savory flavor. The fish sauce not only complements the saltiness of the soy sauce but also adds depth.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma. Adding it towards the end helps preserve its fragrant scent.
Step 9
For a touch of sweet and sour flavor, add 2 tablespoons of plum extract. This can be a healthier alternative to sugar, adding a nuanced sweetness.
Step 10
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar for a slight sweetness. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the delicate flavor of the wild garlic.
Step 11
Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness and color. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add a little more.
Step 12
Finally, add 2 generous tablespoons of sesame seeds (roasted or crushed) for a nutty finish. Lightly crushing whole sesame seeds will release even more flavor.
Step 13
Lastly, add 8 tablespoons of water. If you prefer a milder or more diluted soy sauce, you can increase the water to 10 tablespoons. Adjust the water amount according to the quantity of ingredients.
Step 14
Now, whisk all the seasoning ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. It’s important to mix gently to ensure the soy sauce base is smooth and without lumps.
Step 15
Add the prepared wild garlic to the soy sauce mixture and gently toss to combine. Avoid overmixing, as it can bruise the wild garlic. The key is to mix it lightly to maintain its fresh texture.
Step 16
Voila! Your aromatic wild garlic soy sauce dip is ready. It’s delicious right away, but for an even deeper flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for a while to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it with your festive Korean dishes!
