Crisp and Fresh Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori): A Simple Side Dish to Revive Your Appetite
How to Make Delicious and Easy Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) with Lettuce You Already Have
Introducing a recipe for a refreshing, sweet, and spicy lettuce salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) that will help you regain your appetite during the summer! Using thinned lettuce that’s perfect for immediate use, you can create a satisfying meal that requires no other side dishes. If you have leftover lettuce from a weekend barbecue, try making this 풍성하고 (bountiful) and refreshing salad with a simple dressing. You can either prepare the dressing separately and toss it just before serving, or mix all the ingredients together for an instant, delicious side dish. The crisp texture of fresh vegetables combined with a harmonious dressing will fill your mouth with happiness.
Main Ingredients- 200g fresh lettuce (a generous handful)
- 1/2 small onion
- 7-8 stalks fresh chives
Dressing Ingredients- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.7 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1.5 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang or guk ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (ground)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Washing Lettuce- A little vinegar (diluted in water)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.7 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1.5 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang or guk ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (ground)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Washing Lettuce- A little vinegar (diluted in water)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the lettuce thoroughly under running water and drain it very well. If using larger lettuce leaves meant for wraps, tear them into bite-sized pieces by hand or roughly chop them. Smaller, thinned lettuce leaves can be used as they are.
Step 2
Peel and thinly slice the onion. Soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes to mellow out their sharpness. Wash the chives and cut them into 2-3 cm lengths. This preparation will add a nice crunch.
Step 3
Arrange the drained onion slices and chopped chives attractively over the well-drained lettuce.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! Add the gochugaru, minced garlic, fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance sauce recommended), plum extract, vinegar, and soy sauce in order. Be careful not to add too much soy sauce (jin ganjang or guk ganjang) as it can make the lettuce wilt quickly. Fish sauce is used for its umami flavor; using tuna fish sauce (chamchi aekjeot) can also provide a deep flavor.
Step 5
While plum extract alone makes it tasty, add a little extra vinegar if you prefer a tangier taste. If you add vinegar, also add a little sugar to balance the flavors and gently mix everything together.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle in the toasted sesame seeds and fragrant sesame oil. Toss lightly to combine everything, and your fresh lettuce salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) or seasoned lettuce (Sangchu Muchim) is ready! Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7
Transfer the finished lettuce salad to a nice serving plate. Sprinkle with whole sesame seeds for an attractive garnish, if desired.
Step 8
Lettuce salad tends to lose its crispness and become soggy if left sitting for too long after dressing. For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to toss and serve the salad in the exact amount you plan to eat right before serving, to preserve its freshness. The crispness and freshness of a freshly tossed salad will surely stimulate your appetite.
