Spring Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori): A Crispy and Refreshing Side Dish
Super Simple and Delicious Side Dish: How to Make Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Muchim)
This time of year, thinning out lettuce allows us to make a wonderfully crisp and tangy salad that’s incredibly delicious! Yesterday was a busy day, rushing between errands and not getting enough rest. Why is every day so packed? Just a few days ago, I quickly whipped up this salad with thinned lettuce and devoured a bowl of rice in no time. It’s simple to make but tastes absolutely fantastic. #LettuceSalad #SangchuMuchim #EasySideDish. Although lettuce looks abundant when fresh, it shrinks significantly once dressed. You know how a whole basket of tender, delicate lettuce becomes just a small portion after tossing, right?!
Main Ingredients- 200g Fresh Lettuce
- 1 Scallion
For Washing Lettuce- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
Salad Dressing- 2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Extract (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (for a refreshing taste)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
Salad Dressing- 2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Extract (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (for a refreshing taste)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the tender spring lettuce under running water, as if handling a delicate baby, to thoroughly clean off any dirt or debris. After washing, it’s crucial to drain the water completely using a colander. Residual water can dilute the dressing and make the salad taste bland.
Step 2
To the drained lettuce, add the red pepper flakes, minced garlic, tuna extract for that savory depth, and anchovy sauce for a refreshing zest. For the best flavor, lettuce salad should be tangy and slightly sweet. Gently toss at this stage to ensure the seasonings are well combined.
Step 3
Finally, add the toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and sesame oil for aroma, and toss lightly. Using two chopsticks helps to gently mix the ingredients without crushing the delicate lettuce leaves, preserving their crispness. (Note: I used my hand to mix here for ease of photography during cooking.)
Step 4
Your crispy and refreshing lettuce salad is ready! It’s best enjoyed immediately after tossing for maximum flavor and texture. This salad makes a fantastic quick side dish for any meal. #QuickSideDish #LettuceSalad.
Step 5
On days when the unpredictable weather leaves you feeling a bit weary, both physically and mentally, your stomach still knows it’s mealtime! While some people lose their appetite in spring, I find myself craving something delicious even when I’m tired. I wish I could just rest a little, but my appetite doesn’t seem to want to slow down!
Step 6
Dragging my tired body, I start the morning once again today. I feel I can face the day well with a delicious lettuce salad to accompany my meal.
