Beef Jeon Salad: A Revitalizing Spring Dish for the Changing Seasons
Beef Jeon Salad: A Nourishing Korean Beef Pancake Salad for a Healthy Transition
After the spring rains, the weather has turned chilly again, reminiscent of the late spring cold snaps. Many people around me are catching colds. During these transitional seasons, eating well is key to staying healthy. This beef jeon (pancake) salad is a hearty and nutritious meal to boost your energy.
For the Beef Jeon Salad
- Beef (thinly sliced for bulgogi or similar) 200g
- 3 Tbsp glutinous rice flour
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (seeds removed and finely minced)
- Pinch of black pepper
- A little cooking oil (like soybean oil)
- 1 Tbsp citron preserve (for dressing the onions) + a little for garnish
- 1/2 Onion
- A handful of samphire (or other aromatic spring greens)
- A handful of chives
- A little sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently pat the beef slices with kitchen towels to absorb as much blood as possible. Removing excess blood helps eliminate any gamey odor and results in a cleaner tasting jeon.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, the finely minced 2 Cheongyang peppers, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade for the jeon. Spread this marinade evenly over the beef slices and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 3
Coat the marinated beef slices evenly with 3 Tbsp of glutinous rice flour. Using glutinous rice flour will make the jeon extra crispy and nutty. Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat with a generous amount of cooking oil. Place the flour-coated beef slices in the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the cooked jeon to a plate lined with kitchen towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4
Thinly slice the 1/2 onion. Soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 5 minutes to remove its pungent spiciness. Drain the onion slices thoroughly and then toss them with 1 Tbsp of citron preserve. This will add a delightful sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 5
Trim any blemishes from the samphire and cut the chives into approximately 5-7 cm lengths. Arrange the fried beef jeon, sliced into bite-sized pieces, on a serving plate or salad bowl. Artfully arrange the dressed onion, samphire, and chives alongside the beef. Finally, drizzle with a little extra citron preserve and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a beautiful and delicious Beef Jeon Salad. This salad is also wonderful served chilled as a refreshing appetizer!
