Chewy Acorn Jelly Salad: A Refreshing Sweet, Sour, and Spicy Dressing Recipe
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Acorn jelly, delicious even when simply dipped in soy sauce, becomes an irresistible dish when tossed with a vibrant, spicy, sweet, and sour dressing and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect on its own or mixed with rice for a hearty and healthy meal. The delightfully chewy acorn jelly is packed with nutrients and pairs beautifully with crisp raw vegetables, making it a wonderfully wholesome option. Enjoy this special acorn jelly salad as a delightful meal or a sophisticated snack with drinks. Today, I’ll guide you step-by-step, from the best way to blanch the acorn jelly to creating the perfect flavor-packed dressing.
Main Ingredients
- 700g Acorn Jelly (about 2 store-bought packs)
- 10 Fresh Lettuce Leaves (or your favorite leafy greens)
- 1/2 Carrot, julienned
- 1/2 Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kimchi (fermented cabbage), finely chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Special Dressing
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp Vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp Vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh vegetables. While lettuce is common, I’ve used a variety of leafy greens today for added flavor and texture. Aim for about 10 lettuce leaves worth. Feel free to use romaine, perilla leaves, or any greens you enjoy!
Step 2
For that essential savory and tangy kick, finely chop about 1 cup of well-fermented kimchi. This step significantly enhances the flavor of the jelly salad. Although not pictured, I’ve also julienned half a carrot and half an onion for a touch of sweetness and crunch. The beauty of acorn jelly salad is its versatility; most vegetables pair well with it. In the summer, thinly sliced cucumber is a fantastic addition for a refreshing twist.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the star of the dish: the acorn jelly. I’m using approximately 700g, which is about two store-bought packs. You can adjust the dressing ingredients proportionally based on the amount of jelly you use. If you make your own acorn jelly, you’ll experience an even softer and chewier texture.
Step 4
Boil enough water in a pot to fully submerge the acorn jelly. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the sliced acorn jelly and blanch it lightly for about 2 minutes. This brief blanching makes store-bought jelly softer and chewier, helping it hold its shape better when mixed. While homemade jelly might not require this step, it greatly improves the texture of store-bought acorn jelly for a delicious salad.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the hot acorn jelly under cold running water to cool it down and firm up its texture. Drain it thoroughly. This helps maintain its delightful chewiness and prepares it for mixing with the dressing.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the flavorful dressing that brings it all together! In a large bowl, combine 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 2 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp vinegar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Since we’re using kimchi, I’ve slightly reduced the vinegar, but taste it and adjust the amount to your preference for a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 7
Add the blanched acorn jelly to the dressing bowl. Top it with the prepared julienned carrots, sliced onions, and chopped kimchi. Acorn jelly is delicate, so gently mix everything together to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the jelly. Fold and toss carefully to ensure the jelly is well-coated without crumbling.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the salad for a final touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious acorn jelly salad is ready, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma. The soft, chewy jelly, the vibrant dressing, and the crisp vegetables create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s wonderful on its own, but incredibly satisfying when mixed with rice for a hearty meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a truly healthy dish. Acorn jelly is also low in calories, making this a great option for a diet meal. Whether as a side dish, a light meal, or a sophisticated snack with drinks, this acorn jelly salad is a winner. Try this recipe for acorn jelly dressing and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal!
