Crisp and Refreshing Young Garlic Salad
Not Green Onions, it’s Young Garlic! A Crisp and Refreshing Young Garlic Salad
A classic Korean home-style side dish that sometimes appears on the table. Have you ever mistaken it for green onions? This refreshing side dish is perfect for whetting your appetite on a hot summer day.
Young Garlic Salad Ingredients- 8 stalks of fresh young garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine)
- 2 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Korean plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 pinches of Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh young garlic. To preserve its crisp texture, thoroughly wash the young garlic under running water, from the root to the tip of the leaves, to remove any dirt or debris. Using fresh young garlic is key to the dish’s flavor.
Step 2
Cut the cleaned young garlic into bite-sized pieces. It’s generally best to cut them into lengths of about one to two finger joints (approximately 4-5 cm). This size provides a good chewing texture and allows the seasoning to penetrate well. Cutting them too long might make them awkward to eat, so aim for a manageable size.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning. In a bowl, combine the Gochujang, Gochugaru, Maesilcheong, vinegar, sesame oil, and salt. Mix them well. (Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor and less pungency from the young garlic, you can blanch it in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then quickly rinse it under cold water and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. However, I’ve chosen to prepare it raw to fully enjoy the crisp and fresh taste of young garlic!)
Step 4
Add the cut young garlic to the prepared seasoning and gently mix it with your hands. Young garlic is tender yet crisp, so you can mix it quite vigorously without it breaking apart. This helps the seasoning coat evenly. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the young garlic mushy. Mix just enough for the seasoning to be well incorporated.
Step 5
Arrange the well-mixed young garlic salad attractively on a serving plate. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added nutty aroma and visual appeal. Enjoy this delightfully sweet, sour, and crisp young garlic salad! It’s a fantastic side dish for any meal and also makes a great accompaniment to drinks.
