Crispy Young Lettuce Salad (Jjong Sangchu Geotjeori)
Fresh and Vibrant! A Recipe for Crispy, Spicy, Sweet, and Tangy Young Lettuce Salad
The perfect choice when you crave something refreshing! Elevate your dining table with this young lettuce salad, featuring the delightful crispness of jjong sangchu and a perfectly balanced spicy, sweet, and tangy dressing. It’s an ideal side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or grilled meats!
Main Ingredients- 25 heads of young lettuce (Jjong Sangchu, approximately 1.5kg – 2kg)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 large green onion (white part primarily)
Spicy, Sweet, and Tangy Dressing- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds
- A pinch of whole sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds
- A pinch of whole sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh young lettuce. Since jjong sangchu can have soil on it, wash it thoroughly under running water about 4-5 times. It’s crucial to drain the water well afterward. Thinly slice the onion and diagonally slice the green onion, focusing on the white parts.
Step 2
Cut the thoroughly washed young lettuce in half lengthwise into bite-sized pieces. If they are too long, they can be difficult to eat, so cutting them to a moderate length is recommended.
Step 3
Let’s make a delicious dressing! In a large bowl, combine 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp plum extract, 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp vinegar, and 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix them well. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Step 4
Add the halved young lettuce, sliced onion, and diagonally sliced green onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can bruise the lettuce. Gentle tossing is key!
Step 5
Finally, add 1 Tbsp sesame oil for a nutty aroma and 2 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds. Toss gently once more to combine. Adding the sesame oil and seeds just before serving will enhance their fresh fragrance.
Step 6
Transfer the finished young lettuce salad to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of whole sesame seeds if desired for an appetizing presentation. Enjoy the fresh and crispy taste right away!
