Chewy Chirare Salad (Ggosiraegi Muchim)
Deliciously Chewy Chirare Salad: Easy Recipe with Video Tutorial!
Make a refreshing and chewy Chirare salad with this simple recipe! Chirare, a type of edible seaweed, offers a unique texture that’s perfect for a bright, flavorful dish. While often stir-fried, this recipe transforms it into a delightful salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer.
Ingredients
- 400g Salted Chirare (Soak in cold water for about 1 hour to remove salt)
- 1/4 Cabbage (Thinly shredded)
- 1/6 Carrot (Thinly shredded)
- 1/2 Onion (Thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Coarsely minced)
Seasoning
- 5 Tbsp Store-bought Gochujang-based Chili Paste (Cho-gochujang)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 5 Tbsp Store-bought Gochujang-based Chili Paste (Cho-gochujang)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the salted Chirare. If it’s been frozen, thaw it first. Submerge the Chirare in cold water for approximately one hour to thoroughly remove excess salt. The soaking time may vary depending on how salty your Chirare is, so taste a small piece before draining to ensure it’s not too salty.
Step 2
Once the saltiness is adjusted, rinse the Chirare multiple times under running cold water. After each rinse, gently squeeze out as much water as possible. This helps to achieve a cleaner texture and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables. Thinly shred the carrot and the cabbage. For the garlic, coarsely mince it by pressing with the side of your knife; this preserves some texture. Slice the onion thinly, then soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step removes its strong raw flavor, leaving it crisp and slightly sweet.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients. Cut the Chirare into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long, so it mixes well with the other vegetables.
Step 5
Add 5 tablespoons of store-bought Cho-gochujang (a Korean chili paste blend). You can also make your own seasoning by adjusting the ratio of gochujang, vinegar, and sugar to your preference. Sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds and gently mix everything with your hands, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle in 1/3 tablespoon of sesame oil for added aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle toss. Be careful not to overmix after adding the sesame oil, as this can release water from the Chirare. Transfer the finished Chirare salad to a serving dish and enjoy!
