Spicy and Refreshing Stir-Fried Korean Melon Salad (Chamoe Muchim)
How to Make Chamoe Muchim: A Refreshing Fruit Kimchi Side Dish for Homemade Meals and Lunchboxes
Let’s make a delicious side dish with leftover Korean melons! This refreshing salad is a perfect way to use up slightly overripe or excess chamoe.
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean melons (Chamoe)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re making Chamoe Muchim, a refreshing and crunchy salad that’s a bit different from typical cucumber salads or kimchi. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy when your appetite is low during the summer.
Step 2
First, wash the two Korean melons thoroughly and peel them completely. Then, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds from the center. It’s important to remove the seeds as they can be watery and affect the texture.
Step 3
Once the seeds are removed, slice the chamoe into bite-sized pieces. You can julienne them lengthwise for a different texture, or slice them into half-moons as I’m doing here. Slicing them about 0.5 cm thick will help maintain their crispiness.
Step 4
Add about 1/2 tablespoon of coarse salt to the sliced chamoe and gently mix. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to lightly salt. Salting draws out excess moisture, making the chamoe even crunchier and helping it absorb the dressing better. Toss it halfway through to ensure even salting.
Step 5
After salting, rinse the chamoe lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands and place it in a bowl. It’s crucial to remove excess water to prevent the salad from becoming soggy and watery. Now, add the seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon gochugaru, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 handful of chopped green onions, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to mash the chamoe; mix it lightly for the best texture.
Step 6
Voila! Here’s the chamoe muchim, beautifully coated with the seasoning and looking appetizing. The vibrant color and tempting appearance are sure to make your mouth water!
Step 7
And there you have it – a perfectly crunchy and refreshing Chamoe Muchim! Serve it over warm, freshly cooked rice, or chill it in the refrigerator to enjoy as a side dish, a snack, or even in your lunchbox. This dish is guaranteed to revive your appetite during the summer!
