Spicy and Sweet Korean Scallion Salad (Pachae Muchim) Recipe
Super Easy Homemade Korean Scallion Salad: Better Than Your Local Grille!
Pachae Muchim (spicy scallion salad) is an indispensable side dish when enjoying Korean barbecue! Its addictive flavor profile cuts through richness, making you crave it with every bite. While scallions naturally have a bit of a spicy kick, the key to delicious Pachae Muchim is not over-seasoning. This recipe will guide you to perfectly recreate that authentic restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your grilled meat experience with this refreshing and flavorful salad!
Key Ingredients- 150g thinly sliced scallion (green onion), julienned
- 2/3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine grind)
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by briefly soaking the julienned scallions in cold water for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for mellowing out the pungent, spicy bite of the scallions, resulting in a much more pleasant and refined flavor.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the scallions thoroughly using a colander. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible; residual moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad taste bland. Gently press with your hands to squeeze out any remaining water.
Step 3
To make the salad easier to eat, you can trim the scallion strands. Use kitchen scissors to snip them into more manageable lengths, about 2-3 cuts per strand, if they seem too long.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the simple yet flavorful dressing! In a mixing bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp of soy sauce, 0.5 tsp of salt, 2/3 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. Making the dressing beforehand allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5
Add the well-drained scallions to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Gently toss the scallions with the dressing, ensuring that every strand is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix or mash the scallions; a light hand will keep them crisp and fresh.
Step 6
You might wonder if such a simple dressing can be delicious, but the secret to outstanding Pachae Muchim lies in its simplicity. Avoid overpowering the natural flavor of the scallions with too much seasoning. A slightly milder, ‘less is more’ approach allows the fresh, crisp essence of the scallions to shine through, creating that authentic ‘Pachae Muchim’ taste. Serve immediately, or enjoy alongside your favorite grilled meats for a perfect culinary pairing!
