Crunchy Cucumber & Chewy Acorn Jelly Salad
Acorn Jelly Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Korean Dish
Discover the delightful combination of crisp cucumbers and chewy acorn jelly! This recipe will guide you through making a perfectly seasoned, tangy, and slightly spicy acorn jelly salad (Dotori Muk Muchim). It’s a versatile dish, great as a side or a light meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Acorn Jelly (Dotori Muk, approx. 300-400g)
- 1 Cucumber (medium-sized)
- 1/4 Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum Syrup) or Corn Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (optional)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum Syrup) or Corn Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water and trim off the ends. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it diagonally into about 0.5cm thick pieces. Slicing them too thinly might make them watery, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 2
Peel the 1/4 onion, wash it, and thinly slice it into strips. The thinner the slices, the better the seasoning will penetrate, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Step 3
Cut the block of acorn jelly into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1.5 to 2cm thick. If you’re using store-bought acorn jelly, it’s recommended to blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to enhance its chewy texture. After blanching, rinse it under cold water and drain well. This step ensures a delightfully firm and pleasant chewiness.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Sugar, 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong, and 2 Tbsp Vinegar. Whisk everything together until well blended. If you enjoy a garlicky flavor, you can add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic for extra depth.
Step 5
In a larger bowl, place the sliced cucumber and onion. Add about two-thirds of the prepared seasoning mixture. Gently toss them together to coat. Let them marinate for 1-2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 6
Carefully add the prepared acorn jelly pieces to the bowl with the marinated cucumber and onion.
Step 7
Pour the remaining seasoning over the acorn jelly. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break the acorn jelly. Use a spatula or your hands to lightly fold and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 8
Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. The nutty aroma of sesame oil will elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Step 9
Sprinkle generously with 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Give it one final gentle toss. Your vibrant and flavorful cucumber and acorn jelly salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 10
Enjoy your homemade Acorn Jelly Salad! It pairs wonderfully with freshly steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
