Crisp Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori)
How to Make a Sweet and Tangy Crisp Lettuce Salad
I picked fresh lettuce from my mother’s garden. Since there was a lot and I was only using it for wraps, I decided to make a side dish with it. So, I made this crisp lettuce salad!
Main Ingredients- 11 lettuce leaves
- 1 handful of chives (about a handful)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently wash the fresh lettuce leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Unfurl each leaf and wash thoroughly. Then, place them in a colander to drain the water completely. Excess water can dilute the dressing and affect the taste. Once drained, cut the lettuce into approximately 5cm (2-inch) pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Lightly rinse the chives under cold water. Chop them into similar 5cm (2-inch) pieces, matching the size of the lettuce. Add the chopped chives to the bowl with the lettuce. The fragrant chives will complement the fresh lettuce, creating a more flavorful salad.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the bowl containing the lettuce and chives. This will add a beautiful color and a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to enhance the savory flavor. Using regular soy sauce (ganjang) provides a good base, but you can also use brewed soy sauce for a cleaner taste.
Step 5
Add 2/3 tablespoon of fish sauce or aged soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor. Fish sauce, in particular, will add a subtle seafood essence, making the salad even more unique.
Step 6
To balance the flavors, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. This will contribute to the sweet and tangy profile. You can substitute sugar with corn syrup or honey if preferred.
Step 7
Pour in 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a refreshing tanginess. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through any richness and stimulates the appetite. You can adjust the amount of vinegar to your liking.
Step 8
Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma and flavor. Your delicious dressing is now complete!
Step 9
With all the seasonings added, gently toss the lettuce and chives with the dressing in the bowl. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the lettuce and make it soggy. Use your hands or a spatula to lightly combine everything, ensuring the crispness of the vegetables is maintained. Your delicious crisp lettuce salad is ready to be enjoyed! It’s best served immediately.
