Crisp and Sweet Melon Salad: A Summer Delight
A Simple Korean Melon Salad Recipe (Chamoe Muchim) – A Summer Palate Pleaser!
Melons are delicious on their own, but this super easy chamoe muchim recipe transforms them into a delightful summer side dish that will boost your appetite. Perfect for any summer meal!
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean Melon (Chamoe)
- 5 Scallions
- Pinch of salt (for salting the melon)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a refreshing and crisp summer recipe featuring a beloved Korean fruit: Chamoe Muchim, or seasoned Korean melon. This recipe is designed to be simple enough for anyone to follow and enjoy!
Step 2
First, let’s prepare our main ingredients: the Korean melon (chamoe) and scallions. These two will be the stars of our delicious salad.
Step 3
Wash the chamoe thoroughly under running water. Then, cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard all the seeds from the center. Slice the seeded chamoe into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick, either julienned or cut into half-moons. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the sliced melon and let it sit for about 20 minutes to lightly salt. This step helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring your salad remains crisp and doesn’t become watery.
Step 4
While the melon is salting, wash the scallions. Trim off the roots and slice them into roughly 3-4 cm lengths. Once the melon has finished salting, gently rinse it under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat the melon dry very thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to preventing a soggy salad and allowing the dressing to adhere well.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the dressing! Place the dried, sliced chamoe in a mixing bowl. Add the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), minced garlic, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a slightly different umami profile), and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 6
Add the sliced scallions to the bowl as well. Their fresh, mild oniony flavor complements the sweetness of the melon beautifully.
Step 7
Gently mix everything together with your hands, like you’re giving it a gentle massage (often called ‘jomal-jomal’ in Korean). Be careful not to overmix or squeeze too hard, as this can break down the delicate melon. We want to preserve its crispness!
Step 8
And voilà! Your refreshing, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Chamoe Muchim is ready. Doesn’t it look appetizing?
Step 9
This chamoe muchim is the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day when your appetite might be a bit low. It’s also fantastic served alongside cold noodles like bibim guksu or mul naengmyeon. Give this simple recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
