Spicy Spring Garlic Salad with Gochujang
Spring Vegetable Delight: Refreshing Spring Garlic Salad with Gochujang
Embrace the freshness of spring with this delicious and vibrant side dish! Spring garlic, readily available these days, is a perfect seasonal ingredient. While I initially planned to make pickled spring garlic, I found I had less than expected, so I decided to whip up this wonderfully flavorful gochujang-based salad instead. Get ready to be charmed by the unique taste of young garlic!
Ingredients- 300g young garlic (bulbs and tender greens)
Seasoning- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum syrup)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Proper preparation of the spring garlic is key. Pay close attention to the base where the leaves meet the stems, as this area often traps dirt. Wash them thoroughly and ensure they are well-drained.
Step 2
Cut the cleaned spring garlic into manageable lengths, about 5-6 cm each. This size is comfortable for eating.
Step 3
Separate the bulbous stem parts from the green leafy parts. This helps to blanch them appropriately according to their tenderness.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. First, add the stem parts and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, add the leafy parts and blanch for just 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the spring garlic under cold running water to rapidly cool them down. This step is crucial for maintaining a crisp texture.
Step 6
Let’s prepare the delicious seasoning. In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp guk-ganjang, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp maesilcheong. Mix everything well until smooth.
Step 7
Add the blanched and cooled spring garlic to the prepared seasoning. Gently mix and toss them with your hands until evenly coated. Be careful not to break the garlic pieces.
Step 8
Your fragrant and delicious Spring Garlic Salad with Gochujang is ready! It makes a wonderful side dish for rice or a delightful treat when you crave something refreshing and flavorful.
