Crispy & Sweet Kohlrabi Salad (Saengchae) Recipe
Refreshing and Delicious Kohlrabi Saengchae: The Perfect Appetizer
Discover this vibrant purple kohlrabi saengchae recipe, perfect for healthy eating and weight management! While kohlrabi is great in kimchi, enjoying it fresh as ‘saengchae’ brings out its natural sweetness and delightful crispiness. This seasonal dish offers a refreshing taste and makes for a wonderful side dish. With its low calorie and high fiber content, kohlrabi provides a satisfying crunch and enhances any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 kohlrabi bulb
- A small bunch of scallions or green onions, chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Kohlrabi is an excellent ingredient for healthy eating, with only about 27kcal per 100g. It’s low in calories, filling, and delicious, making it a great choice for those managing their diet.
Step 2
Trim the top and bottom ends of the kohlrabi bulb with a knife. Be careful when cutting as kohlrabi can be quite firm.
Step 3
Peel the kohlrabi thoroughly using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Pay extra attention to removing the fibrous parts, especially near where the leaves were attached, to ensure a tender texture in the finished dish. Peel until no green color remains.
Step 4
Using a mandoline slicer or a knife, thinly julienne the kohlrabi. If using a mandoline, it’s highly recommended to wear protective gloves for safety.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the julienned kohlrabi with 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt and 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce). Mix well and let it sit for about 20 minutes to lightly pickle, turning it over once or twice during this time.
Step 6
Prepare the scallions or green onions by chopping them finely. These will add a fresh aroma and flavor to the salad.
Step 7
Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the kohlrabi after pickling. In the same bowl, add the chopped scallions/green onions, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp maesilcheong, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Step 8
Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the kohlrabi. Adjust the taste by adding more salt or fish sauce if needed. For an extra nutty flavor, you can add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil at the very end (optional).
Step 9
Serve this delicious kohlrabi saengchae as a refreshing side dish. It’s also fantastic as a topping for a simple bibimbap: place the saengchae over freshly cooked rice, add a fried egg, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a delightful meal!
