A Unique Delicacy! Lee Young-ja’s Scallion Kimchi Recipe
Easy Scallion Kimchi Recipe: Lee Young-ja’s Secret Seasoning Revealed
Introducing Lee Young-ja’s special scallion kimchi recipe, which gained popularity after being featured on the hit TV show ‘I Live Alone’. This scallion kimchi boasts a wonderfully crisp texture and savory flavor, making it a delightful dish. Try making it easily at home!
Kimchi Ingredients
- 500g fresh scallions
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 50-65ml fermented shrimp sauce (or tuna extract/anchovy sauce)
- 1/4 pear (for sweetness)
- 1/2 onion
- A small piece of fresh ginger
- 75-100g red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp plum extract
- 0.5-1 tsp salted fermented shrimp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh scallions. While commercially sold scallions are usually trimmed, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the root areas to remove any remaining soil or debris. Wash them thoroughly under running water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Step 2
The fermented shrimp sauce is key to the kimchi’s savory depth. Using fermented crab sauce will add a richer flavor, but if unavailable, tuna extract or anchovy sauce can be substituted. Prepare 50-65ml of the sauce in total. Place the trimmed scallions in a large bowl. Pour about half of the prepared sauce over the roots of the scallions; this helps the flavor penetrate from the base. Flip the scallions over and pour the remaining sauce to coat them evenly. Let them sit and pickle for about 30 minutes, flipping them 1-2 times during this period for even salting.
Step 3
Cut the pear and onion into manageable pieces. Since they will be blended, the exact size doesn’t matter much.
Step 4
In a blender, combine the chopped pear and onion, along with the small piece of ginger. Add 2 teaspoons of plum extract for sweetness and 0.5 to 1 teaspoon of salted fermented shrimp for an umami boost.
Step 5
Secure the lid of the blender and process until all ingredients are smoothly pureed. Aim for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Step 6
Carefully transfer the pickled scallions to a separate bowl, ensuring no excess liquid is carried over. The remaining liquid in the original bowl, along with the blended paste, will form the base of your scallion kimchi seasoning.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the seasoning! Add the blended mixture to the bowl with the fermented shrimp sauce. Incorporate a pinch of sesame seeds for nutty aroma and 75-100g of red chili powder for color and spice. Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preferred level of spiciness. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly to create the delicious scallion kimchi seasoning.
Step 8
Well-made scallion kimchi seasoning.
Step 9
This is the final step! Add the reserved scallions back into the bowl with the prepared seasoning. Gently coat each strand of scallion with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage. Arrange the seasoned scallions neatly in a storage container. Finally, sprinkle a small amount of sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish and added nutty flavor. Your delicious Lee Young-ja style scallion kimchi is now complete!
