Jeon Hyun-moo’s Refreshing Tomato Salad (Diet-Friendly)
Popular TV Recipe! Delicious Tomato Kimchi & Fresh Tomato Salad for Dieters
This tomato salad gained popularity after being featured on the show ‘I Live Alone’! I’ve recreated a version inspired by Choi Eun-kyung, making it even more flavorful and addictive. With its delightful sweet and sour taste, it’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a healthy and light option, perfect for those on a diet.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, as needed (choose your preference)
- Fresh cilantro (to taste, adjust quantity)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your tomatoes. You can use firm regular tomatoes or sweet cherry tomatoes – either will work beautifully. Wash them thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Let’s make the delicious dressing that will elevate this dish! In a bowl, combine 1 cup of kimchi paste. Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce or anchovy sauce for that savory depth. Stir in 3 tablespoons of allulose or corn syrup for a subtle sweetness. Then, add red pepper flakes and vinegar according to your personal preference for spice and tang. Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of refreshing citrus flavor. Your vibrant tomato salad dressing is now ready!
Step 3
It’s important to pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the dressing cling to the tomatoes beautifully and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 4
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them. For regular tomatoes, slice them into half-moon shapes – not too large, just right for easy eating.
Step 5
Place the cut tomatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add a generous amount of the prepared dressing. Adjust the quantity of dressing based on the amount of tomatoes you have. It’s best to start with a little less and add more if needed, rather than making it too salty.
Step 6
Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the tomato pieces. If you’re a fan of cilantro, this is the time to add a generous handful and mix it in. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, chopped chives or green onions would also be a delicious alternative.
Step 7
Voila! Your fresh, flavorful tomato salad, or ‘tomato kimchi,’ is complete. It looks as inviting as it tastes!
Step 8
At first bite, you might just taste the fresh tomato, but surprisingly, this salad has a wonderfully addictive quality that grows on you. It’s become a fantastic side dish with rice, turning simple meals into something special. It’s truly a rice-thief in the best way possible!
Step 9
This tomato salad pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. It’s perfect alongside rich, fatty meats, helping to cleanse the palate. It also complements a bowl of warm rice wonderfully. Enjoy it with different meals for a delightful culinary experience.
Step 10
For your reference, I’ve also included Jeon Hyun-moo’s original tomato salad recipe from ‘I Live Alone’ in the description, so feel free to compare! 🙂
