Crisp Bok Choy and Tomato Salad (Geotjeori)
Bok Choy Tomato Kimchi Salad / Bok Choy Tomato Salad ★ A Unique Vegetable Side Dish
A refreshing, tangy salad or side dish with a touch of vinegar is a must-have for a healthy meal rotation. This recipe features a vibrant geotjeori (fresh kimchi salad) made with bok choy, rich in fat-soluble beta-carotene, and tomatoes, packed with fat-soluble lycopene. The delightful crunch of onions and bok choy, combined with the sweet and sour flavor of ripe tomatoes, creates a fantastic harmony. With the nutty richness of perilla seeds and the mild spiciness of chili powder, you can enjoy five distinct flavors in this incredibly simple yet exquisite vegetable side dish. Introducing our Bok Choy Tomato Salad!
Ingredients
- Bok choy: 80g
- Fresh onion: 40g (approx. 1/4 small onion)
- Tomatoes: 100g (cherry tomatoes or small tomatoes)
- Fish sauce (e.g., Kkanari Aekjeot): 0.5 Tbsp
- Brown rice vinegar: 1.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1/3 Tbsp (adjust to 1/2 Tbsp to taste)
- Ground perilla seeds: 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the delicious dressing! Prepare 0.5 Tbsp of fish sauce.
Step 2
Add 1.5 Tbsp of brown rice vinegar for a tangy kick. Regular white vinegar can also be used.
Step 3
Incorporate 1/3 Tbsp of fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). If you prefer it spicier, feel free to increase it up to 1/2 Tbsp.
Step 4
Generously add 1 Tbsp of ground perilla seeds for a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 5
Combine all the dressing ingredients well and mix thoroughly. Letting this dressing rest for a short while allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeper taste.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the main ingredient: bok choy. Wash the bok choy thoroughly under running water.
Step 7
Cut the bok choy lengthwise into 2-3 pieces, then cut them crosswise into 2-3 pieces again, aiming for roughly similar lengths. Avoid cutting them too small; a slight bite is preferable.
Step 8
Slice the fresh onion into strips about 5-6mm thick. Fresh onions are usually mild, but if you’re concerned about pungency, soaking them in cold water briefly before draining can soften the flavor.
Step 9
Cut the small or cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, making them easy to eat. Using a variety of colorful tomatoes will make the dish visually appealing.
Step 10
Place the prepared bok choy, onion, and tomatoes into a large bowl. Feel free to mix in other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added variety and flavor. Get creative with your vegetable combinations!
Step 11
Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables and gently toss to coat evenly. A unique aspect of this dish is its nuttiness, derived solely from the ground perilla seeds, without any additional cooking oils. This highlights the fresh, clean flavors of the ingredients.
Step 12
Transfer the well-mixed Bok Choy and Tomato Salad to a serving dish. Your delicious and refreshing geotjeori is ready! Enjoy its crisp texture and delightful sweet and tangy taste that will surely whet your appetite.
