Spring Aroma! Sweet & Sour Wild Chive Salad Recipe
Super Easy Sweet and Sour Wild Chive Salad (Traditional Korean Spring Dish)
Fresh wild chives (allium hookeri) are abundant at the market this spring! We’ve made a delightful sweet and sour salad with them, known for its unique pungent aroma and tender texture. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to rice, bringing the vibrant essence of spring right to your table. Let’s make this fragrant wild chive salad together!
Main Ingredients- 110g fresh wild chives (allium hookeri)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Dressing- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil (for finishing)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully prepare the wild chives. The leafy parts can easily become mushy, so inspect them thoroughly for any bruised or spoiled sections and trim them away. Pay special attention to the root ends, as they might retain soil. Rinse them gently under running water multiple times, shaking them to ensure all dirt is removed.
Step 2
Wild chives can get tangled easily when mixed with dressing due to their length. To make them easier to eat, cut them into manageable lengths, about 2-3 cuts per stalk. Avoid cutting them too short, as this can affect the texture. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! It’s incredibly simple. In a bowl, combine gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds. (We’ll add the sesame oil at the very end). If you prefer a tangier taste, you can add a touch more rice vinegar or a little corn syrup/oligo syrup for a balanced sweet and sour flavor. This dressing ratio is based on 110g of wild chives and can be adjusted to your personal preference.
Step 4
When mixing the dressing with the wild chives, handle them gently. Avoid vigorous tossing or kneading, as this will cause the chives to lose their crispness and become soggy. Toss them lightly, as if you’re fluffing them, to coat evenly with the dressing without crushing them. Wild chive salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Making a large batch and letting it sit will result in wilted chives, so it’s recommended to make only as much as you plan to eat at one sitting!
Step 5
Enjoy your fragrant and delicious wild chive salad! Serve it over a bowl of warm, freshly cooked rice or as a side dish with your favorite meals. It’s a perfect way to savor the fresh flavors of spring!
