Fresh Lettuce Salad (Sanchu Geotjeori)
The Perfect Partner for Grilled Meats! 5-Minute Lettuce Salad Recipe
Introducing a fresh and delicious lettuce salad recipe that’s the perfect companion for grilled meats, ready in just 5 minutes! It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover lettuce and adds a wonderful depth of flavor when served alongside samgyeopsal (pork belly) or other grilled dishes. Its sweet, sour, and spicy taste will awaken your appetite, making it an excellent side dish for rice too. Simply wash the lettuce clean, pat it dry, tear or cut it into bite-sized pieces, and toss with a few simple seasonings. The key to its freshness is to make it right before you eat it, as pre-made salads tend to lose their crispness and become too salty. Enjoy this delightful lettuce salad, a perfect refreshing summer side dish!
Ingredients- 1 bunch lettuce (approx. 10-15 leaves)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Washing the lettuce thoroughly is crucial for this salad. Fill a bowl with enough water to submerge the lettuce, add 1 Tbsp of vinegar, and let it soak for about 5 minutes. Then, rinse each leaf under cold running water, front and back, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed, especially from the crinkled areas. Gently rub the leaves with your fingers to clean them well. After washing, place the lettuce in a colander to drain. Lightly shake the colander to remove as much excess water as possible. (Tip: Adding perilla leaves or chives can add a more complex flavor profile. You can also add a bit of chopped chili pepper for extra spice.)
Step 2
Trim off any yellowed or unsightly ends from the lettuce leaves.
Step 3
You can either cut the prepared lettuce into bite-sized pieces with a knife or tear them gently with your hands. Tearing the lettuce by hand helps the dressing to adhere better.
Step 4
If using onion, slice it thinly into julienne strips. (Tip: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like perilla leaves, cucumber, chives, or chili peppers according to your preference for a richer and more flavorful salad.)
Step 5
Combine the prepared lettuce and sliced onion (or any additional vegetables) in a large bowl.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the delicious dressing. Add 2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp of sugar, 1 Tbsp of vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds to the bowl.
Step 7
Gently toss everything together with a relaxed hand, ensuring the dressing coats the lettuce evenly. Lettuce wilts quickly, so avoid overmixing. Lightly tossing is the key to preserving its crispness. Enjoy your freshly made lettuce salad immediately!
