Crisp and Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Geotjeori)
Appetite-Boosting Lettuce Salad: The Perfect Vegetable Side Dish for Grilled Meats
Introducing the perfect lettuce salad, Geotjeori, to accompany your rich meat dishes! This recipe features a sweet and tangy dressing that cuts through the richness, allowing you to enjoy fresh vegetables in a delicious and abundant way. It’s an excellent companion to any meal, easy for anyone to make.
Main Ingredients- 15 fresh lettuce leaves
Sweet and Tangy Geotjeori Dressing- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for umami)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for umami)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the tough ends of the fresh lettuce leaves and wash them thoroughly under running water. After washing, drain them well in a colander to remove excess water. This is crucial so the dressing adheres properly and doesn’t make the salad watery.
Step 2
Tear the drained lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces. Tearing them by hand, rather than cutting with a knife, helps preserve their fresh texture and prevents them from becoming bruised or mushy, resulting in a much more pleasant bite. Handle them gently.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients EXCEPT for the sesame oil: anchovy sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ground sesame seeds, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Adding the sesame oil at the end prevents it from coating the lettuce and hindering the absorption of the other seasonings.
Step 4
Using a spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix the dressing ingredients in the bowl until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the proportions of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, or anchovy sauce to perfectly suit your palate for that ideal sweet, sour, and savory balance.
Step 5
Add the prepared lettuce leaves to the bowl with the dressing. This is the most crucial step: gently toss the lettuce with your hands, using a light touch as if you were handling something delicate. Ensure each leaf is evenly coated with the dressing without crushing the lettuce. Finally, drizzle in the fragrant sesame oil and give it one last gentle toss. Your refreshing and flavorful lettuce salad is ready to be enjoyed!
