Crisp and Delicious Napa Cabbage Salad (Baechu Saengchae) – Golden Recipe
Simple and Tasty Napa Cabbage Side Dish: Baechu Saengchae
Try making a simple and delicious side dish called Baechu Saengchae using Napa cabbage. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly complements any meal.
Main Ingredients- Napa cabbage (or baby Napa cabbage) 200g
- Coarse salt 1 pinch (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Napa cabbage thoroughly under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat it dry with paper towels or drain it in a colander to remove excess moisture. Excess water can make the salad taste diluted. Once dry, tear or cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in size.
Step 2
With the cabbage pieces ready, lightly sprinkle 1 pinch of coarse salt specifically on the white stem parts. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to slightly wilt the stems, which helps to maintain their crispness and season them. After lightly salting, gently massage the stems, then quickly rinse under cold running water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any remaining water very well. Be careful not to over-salt or let it sit too long, as this can make the cabbage mushy.
Step 3
Once the cabbage is lightly salted, rinsed, and squeezed dry, it’s time to prepare the seasoning. In a clean bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 3 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or sugar to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes; for a sweeter profile, increase the sugar.
Step 4
Add the prepared cabbage to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss and mix with your hands until the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid bruising the cabbage. Finally, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty aroma and decorative touch. Your crisp and delicious Baechu Saengchae is ready! It can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a short while for an even more refreshing taste.
