Spring Delight: Soft & Sweet Green Onion Salad (DaePa Muchim)
Fresh Green Onion Salad and Side Dish
Learn how to make a delicious and refreshing green onion salad using tender, freshly harvested scallions. This simple recipe involves lightly blanching the scallions and tossing them with a savory and slightly sweet gochujang-based dressing, creating a delightful side dish that captures the essence of spring.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Green Onions 200g (recommend tender, slender ones)
Seasoning Ingredients
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru) 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce (Brewed) 1 Tbsp
- Plum Extract or Syrup 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
For Blanching
- Coarse Salt 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru) 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce (Brewed) 1 Tbsp
- Plum Extract or Syrup 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
For Blanching
- Coarse Salt 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the fresh green onions. Select about 11 stalks, ideally tender and not too thick. Trim off the root ends and any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Wash them thoroughly under running water, then cut each stalk in half lengthwise.
Step 2
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Carefully immerse the prepared green onions into the boiling water for exactly 20 seconds. Avoid over-blanching, as this will make them mushy and diminish their texture.
Step 3
Immediately remove the blanched green onions from the hot water and drain them in a colander. Rinse them under cool running water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Ensure you let them drain thoroughly; this step is crucial for the dressing to adhere well.
Step 4
Once drained, cut the green onions into bite-sized pieces, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. If the stalks are thick, you can further slice them into quarters lengthwise. This makes them easier to eat and allows the seasoning to penetrate evenly.
Step 5
Place the cut green onions into a mixing bowl. Now, add all the seasoning ingredients: 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Get ready to mix everything together.
Step 6
Put on a pair of disposable kitchen gloves. Gently toss and mix the green onions with the seasonings until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the green onions; a gentle tossing motion is best. Your delicious green onion salad is now ready!
Step 7
Serve the finished green onion salad on a plate. This dish, also known as ‘DaePa Namul,’ offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tenderness, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the fresh, healthy, and vibrant flavors of spring with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
