Crispy Apple Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori)
A Refreshing Lettuce Salad Recipe with Crisp Apple
Discover a delightful recipe for Sangchu Geotjeori, a fresh Korean lettuce salad featuring the crispness of lettuce and the sweet juiciness of apple. This vibrant dish is perfect as a side or a refreshing wrap filling.
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh lettuce
- 1/2 crisp apple
Golden Dressing- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully check and prepare all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Wash the apple thoroughly and then cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2cm in size. Avoid cutting it too small, as this can diminish the satisfying crunch.
Step 2
Place the prepared apple slices into a large mixing bowl. Using a sufficiently sized bowl will make it easier to toss everything together with the lettuce and dressing later.
Step 3
Wash the fresh lettuce leaves under running water multiple times to ensure they are clean of any dirt or debris. Gently pat them dry or let excess water drain. Then, tear the lettuce into pieces about the size of a thumb joint and add them to the bowl with the apple. Be careful not to squeeze the lettuce too hard, as this can make it lose its crisp texture.
Step 4
Now it’s time to mix the delicious dressing. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar for a delightful tang.
Step 5
Next, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to enhance the savory depth of the dish. It’s recommended to use regular soy sauce rather than dark soy sauce to maintain a lighter color.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of plum extract (or syrup) for a touch of sweetness and a subtle fruity aroma. If plum extract is unavailable, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup, but plum extract offers a richer flavor profile.
Step 7
If you prefer a slightly sweeter salad, add about 0.5 tablespoon of sugar. You can adjust the sweetness to your personal preference.
Step 8
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fish sauce to add a layer of umami. You can use anchovy or sand lance fish sauce, depending on what you have available. If you don’t have fish sauce, adding a bit more soy sauce is an acceptable alternative.
Step 9
Add 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for a gentle heat and vibrant color. Fine gochugaru will blend more smoothly, while coarser flakes can add texture and a bolder flavor.
Step 10
Finally, add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil to bring a nutty aroma and richness to the salad. Sesame oil plays a crucial role in elevating the overall flavor.
Step 11
As a finishing touch, generously sprinkle about 1.5 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds over the ingredients. Lightly crushing the sesame seeds between your palms before adding them can enhance their nutty fragrance.
Step 12
Once all the dressing ingredients are in the bowl, gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the lettuce and apple. Mix just enough to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing. Your crispy and delicious apple lettuce salad is ready! It’s wonderful to enjoy immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a short while for an even more refreshing taste.
