Fresh and Vibrant Rapini (Choy Sum) Salad
Aromatic Rapini Salad: A Refreshing Side Dish Bursting with Spring Flavors
Enjoy the delightful crispness of rapini (also known as Choy Sum) in this refreshing salad! This dish is packed with the fragrant essence of spring and offers a wonderfully zesty flavor that is sure to lift your spirits. It’s a perfect side dish that can be prepared quickly and easily. ♥ The crisp texture and bright, clean taste of rapini make this a must-try for a taste of the season.
Main Ingredients
- 260g prepared rapini (thick stems removed)
- 10cm white part of green onion
- 1/6 medium onion
- 1 red chili pepper
- A small amount of carrot (for color)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 tsp minced ginger
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 tsp minced ginger
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the rapini. If the stems are too thick, remove and discard them as they can be tough. Ensure you have approximately 260g of rapini after this preparation.
Step 2
Cut the prepared rapini into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5cm in length. This size is optimal for both easy eating and enjoying the crisp texture.
Step 3
Next, prepare the other vegetables for a vibrant salad. Slice the carrot and red chili pepper thinly on a diagonal (bias cut). Thinly slice the onion into strips. Slice the white part of the green onion diagonally as well. These vegetables add color, a pleasant crunch, and aromatic flavor.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, plum extract, vinegar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until you have a well-blended dressing. Ensuring the seasoning is evenly mixed is key.
Step 5
Add the prepared rapini to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the rapini to coat it evenly with the seasoning. Be careful not to overmix or mash the greens, as this can diminish their delightful crispness. A gentle hand is best!
Step 6
Finally, add the sliced green onion, red chili pepper, carrot, and onion to the bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss one last time to combine everything. This final mix brings together the nutty aroma of sesame oil and the savory crunch of sesame seeds, completing your delicious rapini salad. For the freshest taste and best texture, it’s recommended to serve immediately after making.
