Scallion Salad (Pah Muchim)
The Ultimate Scallion Salad Recipe: A Perfect Pairing for Grilled Meats!
Introducing an easy and quick recipe for a refreshing, sweet, and tangy scallion salad (Pah Muchim) that is the perfect accompaniment to your grilled meat feasts, cutting through richness and enhancing flavor.
Main Ingredients & Seasoning- 190g scallions
- 110g onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (approx. 5g)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, approx. 15g)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (approx. 30g)
- 1 Tbsp apple syrup or apple molasses (approx. 15g)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Choosing Fresh Scallions: Unlike many vegetables, scallions continue to grow new leaves from within their stalks. This means that even if the outer leaves look a bit wilted or damaged, the inner leaves and the root end are usually still fresh and edible. You can simply trim off the outer leaves and use the vibrant inner parts for a delicious dish.
Step 2
Preparing the Scallions: Trim off any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Clean the root ends thoroughly. Using these fresh inner parts will result in a much crispier and more flavorful scallion dish compared to using only the outer leaves.
Step 3
Gathering All Ingredients: Rinse the prepared scallions thoroughly under cold running water. Gently pat them dry. Prepare all the seasoning ingredients alongside the scallions (190g). Ingredients: 110g onion (approx. 1/2 medium onion), 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (approx. 5g), 1 Tbsp gochugaru (approx. 15g), 2 Tbsp vinegar (approx. 30g), 1 Tbsp apple syrup (approx. 15g), 1 tsp minced garlic (approx. 10g).
Step 4
Slicing the Onion: Slice the onion into thin strips, roughly the same thickness as the scallions. This ensures a pleasant texture when mixed together.
Step 5
Combining Scallions and Onion: Cut the cleaned and dried scallions into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm long. Place them in a mixing bowl with the thinly sliced onion and gently toss them together. Scallions and onions are a fantastic pair, complementing each other’s flavors. Just like how restaurants often serve sliced onions alongside scallions with grilled meat, these two vegetables are great friends that enhance each other’s taste and pair wonderfully with meat.
Step 6
Adding the Seasoning: Sprinkle all the prepared seasoning ingredients over the scallions and onions in the bowl. Now, let me share two key tips for making a truly delicious scallion salad!
Step 7
The Magic of Apple Syrup: Instead of regular sugar, using apple syrup (or apple molasses) provides a deep, savory sweetness with a more complex flavor profile than plain sugar. The subtle apple aroma further enhances the overall taste of the salad. We make our own apple syrup at home to reduce the amount of sugar used in cooking while elevating the quality of flavor. It’s a great way to add depth and deliciousness.
Step 8
Balancing Flavors with Vinegar: I promise that this salad, made with these techniques, will be even more delicious than the scallion salads you find at your favorite Korean BBQ restaurants! Raw scallions and onions can have a sharp, pungent taste that makes them difficult to enjoy on their own. However, the addition of vinegar mellows out this spiciness, transforming them into a delightful side dish that invigorates your appetite with their natural sweetness and refreshing aroma.
