Acorn Jelly Salad with Anchovy Sauce (Acorn Muk Muchim)
Experience a Deep, Savory Flavor with Anchovy Sauce in Acorn Jelly Salad
This recipe introduces a refreshing Acorn Jelly Salad (Muk Muchim) enhanced with anchovy sauce, creating a deep and rich savory flavor profile. Combining the chewy texture of acorn jelly with crisp fresh vegetables, this dish is not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. It’s perfect as a light meal, a vibrant side dish, or an appetizer that’s easy for anyone to prepare.
Main Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300-400g) Acorn Jelly (Dotori Muk)
- 10 fresh lettuce leaves
- 1/2 medium onion
- A small amount of carrot, julienned
- 1/2 medium cucumber
Dressing Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Kkanari Aekjeot – the secret to deep flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Double-Concentrated Vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1.5 Tbsp Fine Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru – for color and mild heat)
- 1 stalk Scallion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Kkanari Aekjeot – the secret to deep flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Double-Concentrated Vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1.5 Tbsp Fine Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru – for color and mild heat)
- 1 stalk Scallion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh lettuce leaves and soak them in water for about 5 minutes to refresh them. Rinse thoroughly 3-4 times, then tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the lettuce, ensuring your salad won’t be watery.
Step 2
Peel the onion and thinly slice it into julienne strips. Julienne the carrot to a similar thickness. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it diagonally into about 1cm thick pieces. Lightly rinse these prepared vegetables and then dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner. This step is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture of the vegetables.
Step 3
Clean the scallion by trimming the root ends and rinsing under cold water. Once dried, finely chop it into small pieces (about 0.5cm) to be added to the dressing. The fresh aroma of scallions will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the acorn jelly (Dotori Muk). Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s delicious. For a unique texture and appearance, try cutting the acorn jelly with a wavy knife (like a crinkle cutter) instead of a straight one. This makes it less slippery to pick up with chopsticks and gives it a more appealing look. Slice it into pieces about 1.5cm thick.
Step 5
Time to make the flavorful dressing! In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp double-concentrated vinegar, and 1.5 Tbsp fine red pepper flakes. Whisk well. Finally, stir in the chopped scallions, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds until well combined and glossy. Using anchovy sauce along with soy sauce adds a much deeper and more complex umami flavor than soy sauce alone.
Step 6
Now, let’s mix everything together. Place the sliced acorn jelly in a large bowl. Add about 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing and gently toss to coat the jelly evenly. Be careful not to break the acorn jelly as you mix. Ensure each piece is lightly coated.
Step 7
Once the acorn jelly is partially coated, add the prepared cucumber, onion, and carrot to the bowl. Gradually add more dressing as needed, tossing gently to combine. Mix until the vegetables are nicely colored and coated, but avoid overmixing to keep their crispness.
Step 8
Lettuce is quite delicate, so to prevent it from becoming bruised or soggy, add it last. Gently mix it in right at the end of the process. This ensures the lettuce retains its fresh flavor and crisp bite.
Step 9
Transfer the finished Acorn Jelly Salad to a serving plate, dividing it into portions if desired. Garnish generously with the reserved chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. The delightful chewiness of the acorn jelly, the crisp vegetables, and the rich, savory dressing create a wonderful dish that’s perfect as a side for rice or even as a light meal or snack. Enjoy the unique texture of this acorn jelly creation!
