Spicy and Sweet Gochut-ip Namul (Chili Pepper Leaves) Salad Recipe
How to Prepare and Dress Chili Pepper Leaves for a Delicious Side Dish
Introducing a spicy and sweet Gochut-ip Namul salad that’s a true rice-pairing champion. We’ve used soy sauce and chili powder for a clean, savory flavor, enhanced with plenty of minced red chili, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for a rich taste. This is a magical side dish that will have you finishing your rice bowl in no time, even when you’re not feeling very hungry. Come and discover the charm of Gochut-ip Namul salad!
Ingredients- 520g blanched chili pepper leaves
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp finely minced red chili
- 1 pinch of salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and umami)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic (for fragrant flavor)
- 3 Tbsp chili powder (for spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp salt (for blanching)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Chili Pepper Leaves: Select fresh chili pepper leaves and trim off the tough stem ends. If any large chili peppers are mixed in, pick them out and mince them finely to be used later in the seasoning.
Step 2
Blanch the Chili Pepper Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 Tbsp of salt. Add the prepared chili pepper leaves and blanch them for a short time, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 3
Rinse with Cold Water: Immediately transfer the blanched chili pepper leaves to a bowl of cold water and rinse them thoroughly several times to remove heat. Rinsing at least 5 times will help eliminate any raw taste and maintain a crisp texture. Finally, drain them well in a colander and let them sit for a moment.
Step 4
Squeeze Out Excess Water and Place in a Bowl: After draining well in the colander, place the chili pepper leaves into a large mixing bowl. You can gently squeeze out any remaining water with your hands.
Step 5
Add Seasonings and Gently Mix: Add all the prepared seasonings to the bowl – minced garlic, chili powder, soy sauce, plum extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands. It’s important to mix gently to avoid crushing the leaves.
Step 6
Flavor Harmony: Add the finely minced red chili for a vibrant splash of color. The combination of spicy chili powder, savory soy sauce, and the subtle sweetness from the plum extract creates a clean yet irresistibly appealing flavor profile.
Step 7
Finishing Touch & Aroma Boost: Finally, drizzle generously with nutty sesame oil and sprinkle an abundance of toasted sesame seeds for a burst of nutty aroma. This carefully prepared Gochut-ip Namul salad is truly the best accompaniment to any meal!
