Fragrant Scallion Salad: A Simple Yet Flavorful Spring Delight
Delicious Scallion Salad Recipe with Fresh Scallions, Beyond Kimchi – My Journey to Loving Scallions
Discover the simple yet deeply flavorful way to enjoy spring scallions with this delicious scallion salad recipe. Moving beyond just kimchi, scallions transform into a delightful side dish with this method. The crisp texture and subtle sweetness of fresh scallions, combined with a clean, balanced seasoning, create a side dish that will have you reaching for seconds. Don’t let those slightly wilted scallions in your fridge go to waste; transform them into a delicious meal with this recipe. This scallion salad offers a different charm than scallion kimchi and is sure to awaken your appetite, especially on days when you feel like eating less.
Ingredients- 200g Blanched Scallions (Choose fresh, tender scallions)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Tuna Extract (Adds umami; soy sauce or soy bean paste can be substituted)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (For a nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds, crushed (A final touch for flavor)
For Blanching- 0.5 Tbsp Salt (Helps maintain the scallions’ freshness and vibrant color)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Tuna Extract (Adds umami; soy sauce or soy bean paste can be substituted)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (For a nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds, crushed (A final touch for flavor)
For Blanching- 0.5 Tbsp Salt (Helps maintain the scallions’ freshness and vibrant color)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Choosing fresh scallions is key. You might have experienced buying a generous bunch only to find the bottoms starting to wilt after a few days. When this happens, you can salvage the still-fresh parts and transform them into a delicious side dish! Gently wash these slightly older scallions, ensuring they are clean, and prepare them.
Step 2
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 0.5 Tbsp of salt. Submerge the prepared scallions into the salted boiling water and blanch them for just about 30 seconds, flipping them once. Be careful not to overcook, as this will diminish their crisp texture.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the scallions under cold running water to quickly cool them down. This step preserves their fresh green color and enhances their crispness. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, then cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm long) to prepare for seasoning.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the seasoning for our delicious scallion salad. To highlight the natural flavor of the scallions, we’ll use a simple mix. Place the blanched scallions in a large bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of Gochugaru for color and a touch of spice, and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce or tuna extract for umami. If you prefer, you can use Korean soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) or anchovy sauce, but adjust the quantity slightly as they can be saltier.
Step 5
Next, add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for its fragrant aroma. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ‘jobok-jobok’ style, ensuring the seasoning coats the scallions evenly without crushing them. Be gentle! For a different aromatic profile, you can substitute sesame oil with perilla oil.
Step 6
Once mixed, transfer the scallion salad to a nice serving dish. This simple yet flavorful dish will be a wonderful addition to your home-cooked meals.
Step 7
While this basic seasoning is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment! You can add a little gochujang, sugar, or vinegar to create a sweet and sour profile. However, the simplicity of this recipe truly allows the natural sweetness and subtle aroma of the scallions to shine through, making it an exceptionally appealing side dish.
Step 8
If you’ve enjoyed your scallion kimchi and it’s nearing its end, consider buying another bunch of fresh scallions. You can make more kimchi and also whip up this easy and delicious scallion salad. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy seasonal scallions in various ways.
Step 9
I used to be a picky eater, especially with vegetables like green onions. While I still find large green onions a bit overwhelming, I’ve grown to love scallions immensely! They complement any dish beautifully, and this simple salad preparation is one of my favorites. You might just fall in love with them too.
Step 10
Imagine how delicious it would be to add plenty of these flavorful scallions to a savory pancake (Pajeon)! Scallions are not only tasty but also good for your health. Refer to this recipe for making scallion salad and enjoy this simple, delicious side dish. It’s a healthy and tasty meal that your whole family can enjoy!
