Fragrant Crown Daisy and Crisp Cucumber Salad (Ssukgat Muchim)
A Refreshing Delight: The Perfect Harmony of Crisp Cucumber and Aromatic Crown Daisy Salad
Here’s a delightful recipe for a refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers and the unique, aromatic flavor of crown daisy. The crunchy texture of the cucumber combined with the subtle fragrance of the crown daisy makes for a wonderfully appetizing side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (approx. 200g)
- 200g crown daisy (about 1 bunch)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or substitute with soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or substitute with soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh cucumber. Trim off both ends, then cut it in half lengthwise. Slice it thinly on a diagonal, about 0.5cm thick. This slicing method helps the cucumber absorb the seasoning better and improves its texture.
Step 2
Wash the fragrant crown daisy well. Cut it into lengths similar to the cucumber slices, about 5-6cm long. Avoid cutting it too finely, as this can result in a grassy flavor. Aim for a bite-sized piece.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with all the seasoning ingredients: chopped green onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, plum extract, anchovy sauce, vinegar, perilla oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Start by gently mixing the cucumber with the seasonings, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cucumber mushy.
Step 4
Once the cucumber is partially seasoned, add the cut crown daisy to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to break the delicate crown daisy. The key to preserving the crown daisy’s fresh aroma is to mix it in just before serving, as it wilts quickly.
Step 5
When the salad is well-seasoned and the ingredients are mixed without being bruised, your delicious Crown Daisy and Cucumber Salad is ready! Transfer it to a serving dish for an attractive presentation. Its refreshing aroma and taste will surely brighten your meal. You can enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a while for an even more refreshing experience.
