Crunchy Cooked Lettuce Stem Salad with Perilla Powder
#CookedLettuceStem #LettuceStemSalad #SaladwithPerillaPowderAndSesameOil #SimpleSideDish #EasyBanchanMaking
Cooked lettuce stems, often misunderstood as just lettuce stalks, are actually a type of dried lettuce stem and are known for their wonderfully crisp texture. They are a popular side dish in Korean banchan shops, especially when seasoned with perilla powder and sesame oil, creating a nutty and savory flavor that’s perfect as a staple side dish. This recipe uses pre-cooked lettuce stems, making it incredibly easy and quick for anyone to prepare a delicious seasoned dish. Enjoy the rich aroma of sesame oil, the satisfying crunch of the lettuce stems, and the delightful nuttiness of whole perilla seeds! This salad truly showcases the harmonious trio of perilla flavors.
Ingredients
- 300g cooked lettuce stems
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Gukganjang)
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 2 Tbsp perilla powder
- 1 tsp whole perilla seeds
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pre-cooked lettuce stems. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, then drain them well in a colander. It’s important to remove as much water as possible, as excess moisture can dilute the flavor of the salad.
Step 2
Gently squeeze the drained lettuce stems by hand to remove any remaining moisture. Since the stems are long, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm in length. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (Gukganjang) and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the cut lettuce stems. Mix gently to allow the garlic flavor to penetrate.
Step 3
Now, add 2 tablespoons of perilla powder and 1 teaspoon of whole perilla seeds to enhance the nutty flavor. Mix well to ensure the perilla powder evenly coats the lettuce stems.
Step 4
To add a deep, savory flavor and a slightly thicker consistency, incorporate 1 tablespoon of soybean paste (Doenjang). The saltiness and savory notes of doenjang pair wonderfully with the lettuce stems. Finally, drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the mixture for added aroma. Now, gently toss and mix everything together with your hands until well combined. The lettuce stems are quite firm, so don’t hesitate to mix them thoroughly.
Step 5
Your crunchy cooked lettuce stem salad with perilla powder is now ready! It boasts the savory aroma of sesame oil and the satisfyingly crisp texture of the lettuce stems, complemented by the nutty burst of whole perilla seeds. Complete your healthy meal with this delicious and nutritious side dish.
