Crispy Pickled Melon Salad: A Summer Delicacy, Easy to Enjoy
Crispy Pickled Melon Salad
This recipe shows you how to deliciously mix pickled melons, made with salt and corn syrup. It transforms them into a flavorful side dish perfect for rice.
Main Ingredients
- Pickled Melon 300g (drained weight)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (use 2 for more heat)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder for color and spice)
- 1 tsp Plum extract (for sweetness and savory depth)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic (for aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty fragrance)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder for color and spice)
- 1 tsp Plum extract (for sweetness and savory depth)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic (for aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty fragrance)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 300g of pickled melon. (This is the weight after draining the water.)
Step 2
Thinly slice the pickled melon to about 0.2~0.3cm thickness. If they are too thick, the seasoning might not penetrate well.
Step 3
Place the sliced pickled melon in cold water and gently rub them with your hands. Repeat this process three to four times to remove excess saltiness and maintain a crisp texture.
Step 4
If you feel it’s too salty, soak them in water to remove the saltiness, then drain them in a sieve to remove the primary moisture. Adjust this step based on the saltiness of your pickled melon.
Step 5
Place the drained pickled melon in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel and press firmly with your hands to squeeze out as much remaining moisture as possible. Removing excess water is crucial for the seasoning to adhere properly.
Step 6
Transfer the well-drained pickled melon into a mixing bowl.
Step 7
Finely mince 1 Cheongyang chili pepper. Remove the seeds if you prefer less heat, or leave them in for a spicier kick. You can use two peppers for a hotter flavor.
Step 8
Add the minced Cheongyang chili pepper, 1 tsp gochugaru, 1 tsp plum extract, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds to the bowl with the pickled melon. Taste the pickled melon and adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the seasoning as needed.
Step 9
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash the pickled melon; ensure the seasoning coats each piece well.
Step 10
Serve the deliciously mixed pickled melon salad on a plate. It’s especially wonderful enjoyed with a bowl of freshly steamed rice!
