Deliciously Seasoned Zucchini Salad (Hobak Muchim)
Easy & Flavorful Steamed Zucchini Salad Recipe (A Perfect Korean Side Dish)
While fried zucchini pancakes are delightful, a simple steamed zucchini salad tossed with savory seasonings is incredibly delicious. This dish offers a subtle, natural sweetness that’s truly captivating. Let’s learn how to make this wonderful Hobak Muchim today!
Main Ingredients- 1 round zucchini (about 300-400g)
- 10cm piece of green onion or the white part of a leek
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the round zucchini thoroughly. Trim off the ends and slice it lengthwise into approximately 0.7cm thick pieces. Place the sliced zucchini in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for about 5-7 minutes. It’s crucial to check for doneness by piercing with a chopstick – you want it tender but not mushy. (Alternatively, microwave by placing zucchini in a microwave-safe dish, covering with plastic wrap, and cooking for 3-4 minutes.)
Step 2
Once the zucchini is steamed, let it cool slightly. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick half-moons or julienne it coarsely. Cutting it too finely might reduce the enjoyable texture, so aim for a satisfying bite.
Step 3
Finely chop the green onions. If using leeks, use only the white parts and chop them finely. Using leeks will add a lovely aromatic touch.
Step 4
Transfer the steamed zucchini and chopped green onions into a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Using regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang) instead of soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang) will provide better umami and color.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a touch of spicy flavor. If you’re serving this to children or prefer less heat, you can adjust or omit the gochugaru.
Step 6
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the aroma. Be mindful not to add too much, as a strong garlic flavor might overpower the delicate zucchini.
Step 7
Stir in 1 tablespoon of oligodang or mulyeot for a gentle sweetness. You can use sugar, but oligodang gives a nice sheen. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for its nutty aroma and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Now, gently mix all the ingredients together using a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to mash the zucchini; a gentle toss will keep its texture intact and appealing.
Step 9
Your delicious and visually appealing Hobak Muchim is ready! Serve it immediately with a bowl of warm rice. This simple yet healthy and flavorful side dish is perfect for any meal.
