Crispy and Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori)
Easy Lettuce and Green Onion Salad (Geotjeori/Jeregi/Pahmuchim) Recipe
The perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat like Samgyeopsal or marinated ribs! We’re sharing a recipe for a vibrant, crisp, and tangy lettuce salad that will awaken your taste buds. While it goes by various names like ‘Geotjeori’, ‘Muchim’, or ‘Jeregi’, this Korean-style salad is incredibly simple to make using fresh lettuce and crunchy green onions. It’s the ultimate Korean salad that complements rich, grilled dishes wonderfully!
Main Ingredients- Green onion, thinly sliced (about 1-2 handfuls, enough to hold with both hands)
- Green lettuce, about 10 leaves
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
Spicy & Tangy Dressing- 6 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (or 4.5 Tbsp plum extract)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (brown or white sugar are fine)
- 3 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 6 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (or 4.5 Tbsp plum extract)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (brown or white sugar are fine)
- 3 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp honey
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Optional Ingredient Substitution for the Dressing: Instead of lemon juice and sugar, you can use plum extract. If using plum extract, substitute it for a total of 4.5 tablespoons. The type of sugar you use (e.g., brown sugar, white sugar) won’t significantly alter the flavor.
Step 2
This salad is so easy, it’s barely a recipe! First, combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let the dressing rest for a short while as you prepare the vegetables; this brief resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
Wash the fresh green lettuce thoroughly under running water. Make sure to rinse away any soil or debris for a clean taste.
Step 4
Rinse the thinly sliced green onions under cold water. If you find green onions a bit pungent, you can soak them in cold water for a few minutes after rinsing and before draining.
Step 5
Tear the washed and drained lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 sections each). Cut the green onions into similar lengths, about 2-3 sections, so they are easy to eat.
Step 6
Pour the prepared dressing over the lettuce and green onions. If it seems like too much dressing, you can adjust the amount as you go.
Step 7
Gently toss the vegetables with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the lettuce taste a bit raw; a gentle toss is key.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the salad for an extra nutty aroma. Your delicious and refreshing lettuce salad is now ready to be enjoyed immediately for the best crisp texture!
