Spring Delight: Refreshing Cucumber and Korean Wild Chive Salad (Oi Dallae Muchim)
A Vibrant Cucumber and Wild Chive Salad to Awaken Your Spring Appetite
Experience the essence of spring with this delightful and refreshing salad featuring the fragrant Korean wild chive (dallae) and crisp cucumber. This vibrant seasoned salad, known as Oi Dallae Muchim, is perfect for revitalizing your palate on a languid spring day. It’s a must-try spring vegetable dish that brings a burst of freshness and flavor!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 100g Korean wild chives (dallae)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Gently wash the Korean wild chives (dallae) under running water, carefully removing any soil and loose outer skins from the root end. 2. Discard any wilted or damaged leaves and stems. 3. After washing, place the dallae in a colander to drain thoroughly. Avoid washing for too long to preserve their delicate aroma.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Peel it thinly, and trim off the stem end which can sometimes be bitter.
Step 3
1. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it thinly on the diagonal (about 0.5cm thick). This slicing method helps the dressing to penetrate evenly for maximum flavor. 2. Cut the drained dallae into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cuts per stalk (approximately 3-4cm long). Cutting them too finely might reduce the textural contrast.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: red pepper flakes, soup soy sauce, plum extract, vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a flavorful dressing. Let it sit for a moment for the flavors to meld.
Step 5
Add the sliced cucumber to the prepared dressing. Gently toss the cucumber to coat it lightly with the seasoning.
Step 6
Continue to gently toss the cucumber with the dressing, often referred to as ‘jomal-jomal’ (massaging with fingertips). Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cucumber mushy.
Step 7
Now, add the prepared Korean wild chives (dallae) to the dressed cucumber. Adding them last helps maintain their fresh flavor and texture.
Step 8
Gently toss the salad, being careful not to crush the dallae. You want to lightly mix them until they are just incorporated, allowing them to retain their crispness and vibrant aroma. They should be just slightly wilted.
Step 9
Transfer the completed Cucumber and Wild Chive Salad to a serving dish. Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil for nutty aroma and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. This vibrant salad is a perfect side dish for any meal or even a delightful appetizer!
