Aromatic Spring Delight: Spring Nachi Salad with Crispy Soybean Sprouts
Experience the fresh aroma of spring with this delicious Nachi salad, enhanced with the satisfying crunch of soybean sprouts – perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Nachi (a type of edible fern shoot) can be a polarizing ingredient due to its unique earthy aroma and slightly bitter taste, especially from its roots. This recipe thoughtfully incorporates crunchy soybean sprouts into the Nachi salad, softening the bitterness and adding a delightful texture. It’s a perfect spring side dish to awaken your palate and invigorate your senses.
Ingredients- 2 bowls of Nachi (cleaned and washed)
- 2 bowls of Soybean Sprouts (rinsed clean)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Minced Green Onion
- 1/3 Red Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Plum Extract (or plum syrup)
- 1 swirl of Sesame Oil (approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Nachi by carefully cleaning and washing it. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt to help preserve the vibrant green color of the Nachi. Carefully add the prepared Nachi and blanch it for just 10 seconds. Overcooking will make it mushy, so a quick blanch is key to maintaining its crisp texture.
Step 2
Next, we’ll blanch the soybean sprouts. Ensure they are thoroughly rinsed. Add a little salt to the boiling water and introduce the soybean sprouts. Similar to the Nachi, blanch them for only about 10 seconds to keep them wonderfully crisp. Avoid cooking them for too long, as they can become soft and unappealing.
Step 3
Once blanched, immediately rinse both the Nachi and soybean sprouts under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing. Place the squeezed Nachi and soybean sprouts in a mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic and minced green onion. Stir in the finely chopped red chili pepper for a touch of color and mild heat. Finally, add the salt, toasted sesame seeds, plum extract, and sesame oil. Gently toss everything together using your hands, like a ‘jiggle-jiggle’ motion, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Shaking the bowl gently while mixing helps distribute the seasoning evenly.
Step 4
And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful seasoned vegetable dish! Transfer the finished Nachi and Soybean Sprout Salad to a serving plate. This beautifully presented and delicious side dish, featuring the crispness of soybean sprouts and the unique aroma of Nachi, is ready to be enjoyed. A truly delightful way to savor the flavors of spring!
