Crisp and Refreshing Spring Cabbage Salad (Bomdong Geotjeori)
Taste of Spring! A Refreshing and Crunchy Spring Cabbage Salad
Introducing a beloved Bomdong Geotjeori (spicy napa cabbage salad) recipe, famously featured on the show ‘Altoran’. This version incorporates grated cucumber, making it exceptionally cool and zesty. It’s the perfect springtime side dish to awaken your appetite. The blend of fresh spring cabbage, crisp radish, and a special seasoning sauce will add a vibrant touch to your table.
Main Ingredients- Spring Cabbage (Bomdong) 125g
- Radish 50g
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 0.5 Tbsp
- Green Onion (scallion) a small amount
Seasoning Ingredients- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi-aekjeot) 1.5 Tbsp
- Cucumber 1/4 piece
- Flower Salt (fine sea salt) a pinch (adjust to taste)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi-aekjeot) 1.5 Tbsp
- Cucumber 1/4 piece
- Flower Salt (fine sea salt) a pinch (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh spring cabbage by trimming any yellow or wilted outer leaves. It’s helpful to tidy it up before washing. (The photo shows the cabbage before washing.)
Step 2
Wash the radish thoroughly to ensure it’s clean. You can peel off any tough outer skin if desired.
Step 3
Wash the cucumber for the seasoning and the green onion for aroma. Also, have your minced garlic ready.
Step 4
For a key part of the flavor, grate the cucumber finely using a grater. This step makes the geotjeori incredibly refreshing and smooth.
Step 5
In a bowl with the grated cucumber, add all the seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, minced garlic, plum extract, sugar, and anchovy sauce.
Step 6
Mix the seasoning ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or whisk to create the sauce. (Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more flower salt if you prefer, but I found it delicious without it, so I skipped it.)
Step 7
Julienne the washed radish as thinly as possible, similar to how you would for kimchi. The thinner the shreds, the better the seasoning will penetrate and the more flavorful it will be.
Step 8
Take a portion of the prepared sauce and add it to the julienned radish. Gently mix and massage the radish with the sauce. Marinating the radish first helps release its natural sweetness and absorb the flavors.
Step 9
Separate the spring cabbage leaves and wash them thoroughly under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Drain them well on a colander. Once drained, cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Step 10
Add the drained spring cabbage to the bowl containing the pre-marinated radish. Pour in the remaining sauce and add the finely chopped green onion.
Step 11
Gently toss all the ingredients together without over-mixing. Add the toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil to enhance the aroma just before you finish.
Step 12
Finally, toss lightly a couple more times to ensure everything is well combined. Your crisp and delicious Bomdong Geotjeori is now ready!
Step 13
Serve the finished spring cabbage salad on a plate in an appealing manner. You’re all set to enjoy this fresh and flavorful spring delicacy!
