Refreshing Chives Salad with Smoked Pork Belly & Mushroom Grill
The Perfect Pairing for Smoked Pork Belly and Grilled Mushrooms! A Crisp, Sweet, and Tangy Chives Salad Recipe
Main Ingredients- 4 handfuls fresh chives (approx. 200g), washed and cut into 4-5cm lengths
- 4 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers), deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 apple, peeled and thinly julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, deseeded and thinly julienned
- 2 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2-3 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 2-3 Tbsp perilla seed powder (for a savory and creamy texture)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (whole or crushed)
- 2-3 pickled plums (maesil jangajji), finely chopped, plus a little of the brine (the secret to sweet and sour flavor!)
- 1 pack smoked pork neck slices (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 pack enoki mushrooms, trimmed and separated
- 3 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the chives thoroughly, drain them well, and cut them into 4-5cm lengths. This step is crucial for the freshness and crispness of the salad.
Step 2
Instead of sugar, add a 1/2 apple, peeled and thinly julienned, for a subtle sweetness and refreshing tang. Its crisp texture complements the chives beautifully.
Step 3
The key to the sweet and sour taste! Finely chop 2-3 pickled plums and add them, along with about 1-2 tablespoons of the brine. This replaces the typical vinegar and adds a deep flavor.
Step 4
If you enjoy a spicy kick, prepare 4 Korean green chilies, remove the stems and seeds, and then finely chop them. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 5
Add 1/2 cucumber, deseeded and thinly julienned, for a refreshing aroma and crisp texture. This will further enhance the salad’s freshness.
Step 6
Now, add all the seasoning ingredients: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 2-3 tablespoons of fragrant sesame oil, 2-3 tablespoons of perilla seed powder for a smooth and savory taste, and finally, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for extra nuttiness.
Step 7
Once all the ingredients are in, gently toss everything with your hands. It’s important to mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed, but be careful not to overmix and bruise the chives. A gentle touch will keep them crisp.
Step 8
For the main dish, place the smoked pork neck slices in an air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Cook the enoki and shiitake mushrooms alongside the pork, or lightly grill them separately after the pork is done.
