Crisp and Savory Sweet Potato Stem Salad with Doenjang
Enjoy the fresh seasonal vegetable, Sweet Potato Stem Salad with Doenjang!
When you blanch fresh sweet potato stems and toss them with a blend of savory doenjang (soybean paste) and spicy gochujang (red chili paste) in a perfect ratio, you get a side dish that’s incredibly clean and delicious, perfect for rice. This simple yet elegant recipe will help you create a healthy and flavorful meal. Its refreshing taste and satisfying crunch will surely whet your appetite.
Main Ingredients- Sweet potato stems (fresh)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh sweet potato stems. Gently peel off the outer skin of the stems with a knife or your fingers to make them tender. Removing the tough outer layer will make the salad crispier and tastier when tossed.
Step 2
Bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Once the water is boiling, add a small pinch of salt and submerge the prepared sweet potato stems. This step helps the stems retain a vibrant green color and ensures they are cooked to a crisp texture.
Step 3
Blanch the sweet potato stems for about 7 minutes. (Adjust the blanching time depending on the thickness of the stems. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy!) Immediately rinse the blanched stems under cold running water to cool them down. Then, firmly squeeze out as much water as possible using both hands. Properly draining the stems prevents the seasoning from becoming watery and allows it to adhere well.
Step 4
Place the drained sweet potato stems in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of doenjang and 1 tablespoon of gochujang. The ratio of doenjang to gochujang is typically 2:1, but you can adjust it to your preference. Also, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and gently toss to combine. It’s important to mix them gently to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 5
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sesame seeds, then mix lightly. Your delicious Sweet Potato Stem Salad with Doenjang is now complete! Rubbing the sesame seeds between your palms before adding them can enhance their nutty aroma.
