Crisp and Sweet Korean Melon Salad (Chamoe Muchim)
A Refreshing Side Dish: Crisp and Sweet Korean Melon Salad!
Create a delicious side dish using refreshing Korean melons, a summer favorite! Slightly salted and then mixed, this salad has just the right amount of moisture removed, resulting in a wonderfully chewy texture that’s incredibly addictive. It’s a perfect companion to any meal! ^^
Main Ingredients- 2 medium Korean melons (Chamoe)
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (Kkot-sogeum)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (Chamchi-aek) or fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (Chamchi-aek) or fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean melons thoroughly under running water. Then, use a peeler or a knife to thinly peel the skin. Cut the melons in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds from the core, cleaning them out completely.
Step 2
Cut the prepared Korean melons into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick and elongated. Add 2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt to the cut melon pieces and mix gently to coat evenly. Let them salt for about 20 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, enhancing their crisp texture.
Step 3
After 20 minutes, check if the melons are well-salted; they should bend slightly when pressed gently with your fingers. Rinse the salted melons 2-3 times under cold running water to remove excess salt. It’s crucial to drain the rinsed melons thoroughly on a colander to remove all excess water. Remaining water can make the salad taste bland.
Step 4
To the drained melon, add all the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru, 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce), 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Gently toss and mix with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the melon. Taste a piece, and if it’s not salty enough, add a little more tuna extract gradually until the desired flavor is achieved.
Step 5
Transfer the delicious seasoned Korean melon salad to a nice serving dish. Finally, sprinkle 0.5 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top for an added nutty aroma and flavor. This delightful Chamoe Muchim is ready to be enjoyed immediately, or it can be chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat!
