Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Miso Dressing
Delicious Napa Cabbage Miso Namul Salad
This is a flavorful side dish made by seasoning fresh, seasonal napa cabbage with a savory and rich miso dressing. Its sweet and crunchy texture is so satisfying that it will make your rice disappear in no time. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy meal prep.
Main Ingredients- 15 leaves Napa cabbage
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Miso paste
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Miso paste
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh napa cabbage under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris between the leaves are removed. If the outer leaves are dirty, feel free to discard them before proceeding.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the napa cabbage, starting with the tougher stem parts, and blanch for 2 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; you want to maintain a crisp texture. Once blanched, immediately transfer the cabbage to a bowl of cold water to cool down, then gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Step 3
After squeezing out the water, cut the napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Gently squeeze out any remaining moisture once more after cutting. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to enhance its flavor.
Step 4
Transfer the squeezed and cut napa cabbage into a large mixing bowl. You can let it drain on a colander beforehand, or simply proceed to the next step after hand-squeezing.
Step 5
Add all the seasoning ingredients to the bowl with the napa cabbage: 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 6
Gently mix and toss the ingredients together with your hands, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the cabbage. Avoid mashing the cabbage; a gentle hand will preserve its texture. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Taste the seasoned cabbage. If it needs more saltiness, add a pinch of salt to reach your desired flavor. Your crunchy and delicious Napa Cabbage Miso Namul Salad is now ready! It’s great served immediately, or you can refrigerate it for a short while to allow the flavors to meld further.
