Crisp & Healthy Broccoli Salad with Chives Jeonhoe
Korean BBQ Side Dish Delight: Easy Broccoli Salad and Spicy-Sweet Chive Jeonhoe Recipe
Remembering the delicious side dishes from Korean BBQ restaurants, I decided to recreate the refreshing Broccoli Salad at home! This is a super simple recipe where you just blanch fresh broccoli and gently toss it with salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. While we’re at it, we’ll also blanch some fragrant chives to make a beautiful Chive Jeonhoe. Enjoy a more abundant meal with our crispy Broccoli Salad and flavorful Chive Jeonhoe, boasting a fresh taste and satisfying crunch!
Main Ingredients
- 500g Broccoli
- 1/2 cup Vinegar (for soaking broccoli)
- 1 bunch Chives
- 1 Tbsp Salt (for blanching)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Spicy & Sweet Gochujang Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash 500g of fresh broccoli thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. For the thick stems, peel the tough outer skin and then cut them into manageable pieces. Place the prepared broccoli in a bowl of cold water mixed with 1/2 cup of vinegar and let it soak for 10 minutes. (You can start boiling the water for blanching during this time to save minutes).
Step 3
Bring a pot of water, enough to generously cover the broccoli, to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli stems first and blanch on high heat for about 30 seconds. This step helps to soften the stems slightly and bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 5
Next, add the broccoli florets and blanch for another 30 seconds. It’s important not to overcook the broccoli to preserve its nutrients and maintain a crisp texture.
Step 6
Immediately remove the blanched broccoli from the hot water and plunge it into a bowl of ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process, helps retain its vibrant green color, and ensures a satisfying crunch.
Step 7
Drain the broccoli well in a colander. Ensure all excess water is removed; otherwise, the seasoning will be diluted and the salad might taste watery.
Step 8
Gently squeeze the blanched broccoli with your hands to remove any remaining water. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Taste and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of salt if needed, mixing again.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil (or sesame oil) and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss the broccoli again to coat it evenly with the aromatic oil and seeds.
Step 10
Your delicious and nutty Broccoli Salad is ready! It makes a wonderful side dish.
Step 11
If the water used for blanching broccoli is still warm, turn off the heat and add the chives. Stir gently just to wilt them. Chives cook very quickly, so avoid over-blanching.
Step 12
Quickly remove the wilted chives and transfer them to cold water to cool down. Gently squeeze out excess water and then place them in a colander to allow any remaining moisture to drain completely.
Step 13
While the chives are draining, let’s prepare the delightful spicy-sweet Gochujang sauce. Using measuring spoons is recommended for accurate flavor balance. Start with 2 tablespoons of Gochujang.
Step 14
Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Step 15
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and stir everything together until well combined. Your flavorful Gochujang sauce is now ready!
Step 16
Take about 3-4 strands of the drained chives, roll them into a neat bundle, and place them on a serving dish. Serve with the prepared Gochujang sauce on the side.
Step 17
Dip the lightly blanched chives, which have a wonderful crisp texture and natural sweetness, into the Gochujang sauce for a truly delicious Chive Jeonhoe! This recipe is so simple, requiring only blanching. How about adding this fresh Broccoli Salad and fragrant Chive Jeonhoe to your dinner table tonight as a healthy and vibrant special dish?
