Crisp and Fresh Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) – Altoran Recipe
Chef Lee Jong-im’s Secret Altoran Lettuce Salad
Hello everyone! We all know that a hearty meal starts with good food. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a crisp and refreshing lettuce salad (Sangchu Geotjeori), the perfect accompaniment to any meat dish. Lettuce is an alkaline food that beautifully balances the acidity of meats, making it a great dietary choice. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it excellent for those looking to manage their weight. Interestingly, the milky sap from lettuce contains alkaloids known to have a calming effect, promoting better sleep. To choose the best lettuce for this salad, look for leaves that are tender yet firm, with a vibrant, natural green color. Uniform size and visible sap when cut are also good indicators of freshness. We’ll be making this delicious salad using a special recipe from the renowned Chef Lee Jong-im, featured on Altoran. Let’s get started!
Salad Ingredients- Lettuce (Kkot Sangchu) 2 heads (approx. 200g)
- Cucumber 1
- Onion 1/2
- Yellow Bell Pepper 1/2 (any color works)
Golden Dressing- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Anchovy Sauce (Kkanari Aekjeot) 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 tsp
- Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 2 tsp
- Vinegar 4 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Anchovy Sauce (Kkanari Aekjeot) 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 tsp
- Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 2 tsp
- Vinegar 4 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For this salad, ‘Kkot Sangchu’ (flower lettuce) is ideal as it holds its shape well when mixed, contributing to a pleasant texture. Start by preparing 2 heads of lettuce. For accompanying vegetables, get 1 cucumber, 1/2 onion, and 1/2 bell pepper. The color of the bell pepper doesn’t matter.
Step 2
Thoroughly washing the lettuce is crucial. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let the lettuce soak for 5-10 minutes; this will effectively remove any dirt or pesticide residues. Afterward, rinse the lettuce multiple times under running water until completely clean. Drain it well in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
Step 3
If your lettuce leaves are large, gently tear them by hand into 1-2 pieces. Tearing by hand, rather than cutting, helps maintain the lettuce’s crispness and natural shape. Avoid tearing them too small, as this can make them mushy.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of plum extract, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and 4 tablespoons of vinegar. Whisk everything together until well blended. While many people omit sesame oil in vinegar-heavy dressings, Chef Lee Jong-im includes a small amount for added flavor. If you prefer a less tangy salad, feel free to reduce the vinegar to 2-3 tablespoons.
Step 5
Prepare the accompanying vegetables. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. Finely slice the onion and the bell pepper into strips of a similar size. Cutting them relatively thick will provide a satisfying bite and enhance the visual appeal.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced onion, cucumber, and bell pepper. Pour about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over these vegetables and toss gently to coat. It’s important to mix these firmer vegetables with the dressing first to allow them to absorb the flavors. Then, carefully add the prepared lettuce leaves. Gradually drizzle the remaining dressing over the lettuce and toss lightly. Be gentle when mixing the lettuce, as it is quite tender. Adding the dressing incrementally ensures the seasoning is just right.
Step 7
Voila! Your crisp and fresh lettuce salad is ready. It’s perfect to enjoy alongside grilled meats or delicious mixed with a bowl of warm rice. Add some vibrant flavor to your dinner table today!
