Crispy Lettuce Salad
[Home Cooking Recipe] Transform Fresh Lettuce into a Crunchy, Aromatic Salad
Do you have an abundance of fresh lettuce from your garden? Instead of just eating it as wraps, why not try this incredibly simple yet delicious lettuce salad recipe! Passed down from my mother-in-law, this recipe transforms lettuce into a side dish that’s free of bitterness, with a delightful crispiness and fragrant aroma. It’s perfect as a staple side dish for rice or a refreshing treat when you have a lack of appetite. With just a few ingredients, you can whip this up in under 5 minutes, so make sure to use up that lettuce in your fridge!
Main Ingredients- 250g fresh lettuce
- 1/2 red chili pepper (seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 1/2 green chili pepper (seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (lightly crushed or ground for enhanced flavor)
For Blanching- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe is so quick, the preparation steps will fly by! With fresh lettuce, chilies for added aroma, and basic seasonings, a delicious lettuce salad is just moments away. Prepping the ingredients beforehand significantly cuts down on cooking time.
Step 2
Gently wash the fresh lettuce leaves one by one under cool running water. This ensures any dirt or residue is thoroughly removed. Afterwards, place the lettuce in a colander to drain excess water. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible, as remaining water can make the salad soggy.
Step 3
Prepare the green and red chili peppers to add vibrant color and a pleasant crunch to the lettuce salad. Halve each chili, remove the seeds, and finely chop them. Since they are added raw, they will contribute a fresh peppery note to the dish.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. The salt helps maintain the vibrant green color of the lettuce and keeps it crisp. Once the water is boiling, add the prepared lettuce and blanch it for just 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will make the lettuce limp and lose its crispness!
Step 5
Immediately after blanching for 30 seconds, transfer the lettuce to a bowl of cold running water to shock it. Rinsing under cold water quickly cools it down, preserving its texture. Squeeze out as much water as possible; this is key to ensuring the salad is well-seasoned and doesn’t become watery.
Step 6
Place the squeezed lettuce into a large mixing bowl, tearing it into bite-sized pieces. Now, it’s time to season and mix it into a salad. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic blends beautifully with the freshness of the lettuce, enhancing its overall flavor.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of aromatic sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference. It’s best to taste and add more soy sauce if needed. While the measured amount was perfect for me, feel free to add a tiny bit more soy sauce if you find it less salty.
Step 8
Add the finely chopped red and green chilies. Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the lettuce evenly. Avoid vigorous kneading; a gentle mix will help maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce. Your beautifully colored lettuce salad is ready!
Step 9
See? You’ve made a delicious lettuce salad in less than 5 minutes! It has absolutely no bitterness, and the fresh aroma and satisfying crunch are truly captivating. It’s the perfect side dish to serve with a bowl of hot, freshly steamed rice or a light accompaniment when your appetite is low. If you have lettuce sitting in your fridge, don’t hesitate to try making this fantastic side dish tonight!
