Spicy Raw Oyster Salad (Saenggul Muchim)
Nutrient-Rich Sea’s Milk: #RawOysterSalad for a Taste of Winter
Oh, winter, come faster! It’s finally oyster season, something I’ve been longing for. I couldn’t wait for snow and cold, so I headed to a nearby port to gather oysters. While the season officially starts in October, I always wait until after the start of winter (Ipdong) to buy a few kilograms of fresh oysters to make into this delicious salad, or even oyster pancakes and hearty oyster soups. This recipe is a delightful way to savor the briny sweetness of fresh oysters.
Ingredients for Raw Oyster Salad- 1 kg fresh oysters (ensure they are very fresh)
- 3 Cheongyang peppers (Korean chili peppers, adjust for spiciness)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 green onion (use mostly the white parts)
Seasoning for Raw Oyster Salad- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 pinches of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 pinches of salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your fresh oysters. This recipe uses 1 kg, but if you buy 2 kg, you can reserve the rest for other delicious dishes.
Step 2
Place the oysters in a bowl and add a handful of salt. Salt helps to remove any impurities and acts as a mild disinfectant.
Step 3
Gently massage the oysters with the salt using your hands. This action helps to dislodge any unwanted debris clinging to the oysters, ensuring they are clean.
Step 4
Rinse the oysters quickly under running water just once. Be careful not to rinse them for too long, as this can wash away their delicate flavor. After rinsing, drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 5
To further clean them and preserve nutrients, place the oysters back in the bowl and run cold water over them while gently swirling them with your fingertips a few times. This ensures they are sparkling clean without losing their goodness. Drain them again in the colander to remove all excess water. (Freshly cleaned raw oysters are also delicious to snack on!)
Step 6
Prepare the vegetables for the salad. Finely chop the 3 Cheongyang peppers and 1 red chili pepper. Thinly slice the white parts of the half green onion on a diagonal.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the drained oysters and the prepared vegetables. Now, let’s make the seasoning! In a separate small bowl, mix together 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 pinches of salt. Stir well until combined.
Step 8
Pour the prepared seasoning mixture over the oysters and vegetables. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to crush the delicate oysters. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 9
Beautifully plate your freshly made Spicy Raw Oyster Salad! While modern facilities allow us to enjoy oysters year-round, there’s a special charm to savoring them during their peak season. It’s mid-week already; let this delicious oyster dish bring you energy and joy for the rest of your week!
