Crisp and Chewy Winter Green and Mushroom Salad: A Bento Box Side Dish Recipe
The Perfect Harmony of Winter Greens and Mushrooms! Ideal for Bento Boxes.
This is a seasoned salad made with winter greens, a delicacy during the colder months, and chewy king oyster mushrooms. The crisp texture combined with a savory seasoning creates a delightful dish that will make you devour a bowl of rice. It’s simple to make, making it a convenient side dish for bento boxes or everyday meals.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Winter Greens (approx. 287g)
- 1 pack King Oyster Mushrooms
Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (or Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (or Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before starting, prepare fresh winter greens and king oyster mushrooms. Rinse the winter greens thoroughly under running water. Trim the base of the king oyster mushrooms and tear or slice thicker ones into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This water is for blanching the mushrooms and greens.
Step 3
While the water boils, prepare the king oyster mushrooms you’ve already trimmed. If some pieces are thickly torn, tear them smaller so the seasoning distributes evenly and they are easier to eat.
Step 4
Add the prepared king oyster mushrooms to the boiling water and blanch them briefly. To avoid them becoming mushy, blanch for just 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 5
After removing the mushrooms, add the winter greens to the same boiling water and blanch them. Winter greens cook quickly, so blanch for only about 30 seconds. It’s important to maintain their crispness, so be careful not to overcook them until they become limp.
Step 6
Remove the blanched mushrooms and greens from the water, rinse them lightly under cold water to cool them down, and then squeeze out excess water with both hands. Properly draining them is key to preventing a watery salad and ensuring good flavor.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed mushrooms and winter greens. Add the seasoning ingredients: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 8
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the ingredients. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break down the winter greens. Taste and add a little more soy sauce if needed. Your delicious Winter Green and Mushroom Salad is ready!
