Savory and Fresh Spring Cabbage Namul with Doenjang
How to Make Spring Cabbage Namul with Doenjang: A Delightful Side Dish with Sweet Spring Cabbage
Create a delicious and nutritious side dish using the fresh flavors of spring cabbage.
Main Ingredients
- 1 head of spring cabbage (Bomdong)
- 1/3 stalk of green onion
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming the tough base of the spring cabbage. Gently separate the leaves one by one. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, ensuring they are clean. This careful preparation prevents the leaves from breaking apart when mixing.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the prepared spring cabbage to the boiling water and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched cabbage to cold water to cool it down. Then, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Properly draining the cabbage is crucial for the dressing to adhere well.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the doenjang, minced garlic, plum extract, anchovy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to create the seasoning paste. Mix well. Cut the blanched and squeezed spring cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about two sections per leaf, and add them to the bowl with the seasoning.
Step 4
Evenly sprinkle the prepared doenjang seasoning over the spring cabbage. Gently toss the ingredients together using your hands, being careful not to mash the cabbage. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed amongst all the leaves for the best flavor.
Step 5
Add the finely chopped green onion and a little extra sesame oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an enhanced aroma and flavor. Give it a final gentle toss to combine everything.
Step 6
Your fragrant and delicious Spring Cabbage Namul with Doenjang is ready! This makes a wonderful side dish that captures the fresh essence of spring.