Crisp and Sweet Melon Salad (Chamoe Muchim)
10-Minute Summer Side Dish: Refreshing Korean Melon Salad (Chamoe Muchim / Chamoe Geotjeori)
Introducing a simple and refreshing Korean side dish perfect for summer: Chamoe Geotjeori (spicy melon salad). This delightful dish uses fresh fruit and requires no cooking, making it an ideal quick and healthy accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients- 1 Korean Melon (Chamoe)
- 1 handful of Chives (or Garlic Chives)
Seasoning Dressing- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
- 2 tsp Salted Fermented Shrimp (Saeu-jeot), finely minced
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
- 2 tsp Salted Fermented Shrimp (Saeu-jeot), finely minced
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the Korean melon thoroughly. You can peel it if you prefer a softer texture, or leave the skin on for extra crunch. Trim off the ends. Using a teaspoon, carefully scrape out the white pith and seeds from the center of the melon. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Slice the melon into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 to 0.7 cm thick. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they might break down easily.
Step 2
Wash the chives and pat them dry. Cut them into lengths similar to the melon pieces, roughly 3-4 cm long. This ensures a harmonious bite.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, fish sauce, soy sauce, plum extract, brown sugar, and salted fermented shrimp. Stir well with a spoon or whisk until the sugar and saeu-jeot are completely dissolved. This creates your flavorful dressing. Let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
Place the sliced melon and cut chives into a larger mixing bowl. Pour the prepared seasoning dressing over the melon and chives.
Step 5
Gently toss the ingredients to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the melon; use a gentle folding motion. Add the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds at the end for aroma and flavor.
Step 6
Give it one final gentle toss to distribute the sesame oil and seeds. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt if needed. Your delicious and refreshing Chamoe Geotjeori is ready! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can also chill it in the refrigerator for a short while before serving for an extra cool treat.
