Seasoned Pepper Leaves (Gochuchwi Muchim)
A Special Seasonal Side Dish: Deliciously Seasoned Pepper Leaves
Using fresh pepper leaves harvested from the garden, let’s make a delicious side dish! We’ll add a delightful umami flavor with gochujang and plum syrup, and a nutty aroma from perilla oil. This seasonal pepper leaf salad is a special treat that will enrich your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 large handful blanched pepper leaves (approx. 100g)
- 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp plum syrup (maesilcheong)
- 2 tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- A little chopped green onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- A little toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully trim the pepper leaves. Remove any tough stems to ensure a tender bite.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Submerge the prepared pepper leaves, pressing them down. Blanch for about 10-20 seconds, just until slightly tender – avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy. Immediately drain and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to preserve their crisp texture.
Step 3
After rinsing, gently but firmly squeeze out as much water as possible from the pepper leaves using your hands. Excess water can dilute the seasoning.
Step 4
Check the volume of the blanched and squeezed pepper leaves. It should be about one large handful.
Step 5
Place the blanched pepper leaves in a bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients. While soy sauce alone provides a good base, we’re using gochujang and gochugaru today to add a bit of spicy zest. Adding 1 tablespoon of plum syrup will bring a sweet and savory depth of flavor, making it even more delicious. Don’t forget to add a generous 2 tablespoons of flavorful perilla oil.
Step 6
Add the chopped green onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch.
Step 7
You might want to add a little more plum syrup for an enhanced sweet and savory taste, according to your preference.
