Daejeo Salty Tomato Marinade: A Refreshing, Sweet & Sour Salad Recipe
How to Make Daejeo Salty Tomato Marinade Sauce and Salad
As the weather turns bright and cheerful, it’s the perfect time for a refreshing salad! Daejeo ‘salty’ tomatoes, a specialty from Busan’s Daejeo district, are now in season. These tomatoes are known for their firm texture and high sweetness, making them delicious eaten raw. While a box of Daejeo tomatoes can quickly ripen, this marinade recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy them at their peak. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to create a salad or appetizer that perfectly complements the season. It’s said that Daejeo tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh rather than blanched. Get ready to create a fantastic dish that’s refreshingly tangy, sweet, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients- 7-10 Daejeo ‘salty’ tomatoes
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/4 Cucumber
- 3 Perilla leaves (깻잎)
Marinade Sauce- 1 Tbsp Honey (adjust to taste)
- 7 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 3 Tbsp Balsamic Glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Honey (adjust to taste)
- 7 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 3 Tbsp Balsamic Glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tomatoes. Wash the Daejeo ‘salty’ tomatoes thoroughly by soaking them in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes. Rinse them well under running water. This helps to remove any surface impurities.
Step 2
Once cleaned, cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slicing them into 6 to 8 wedges will help the marinade penetrate and make them easy to eat.
Step 3
Now, let’s prep the vegetables. Finely mince the onion and cucumber after washing and peeling them. Thinly slice the perilla leaves after rinsing and drying them. (Minced garlic is not needed for this recipe.)
Step 4
Place the finely minced onion into a separate bowl. Mincing the onion finely ensures it blends well with the marinade and adds a pleasant texture.
Step 5
Add the minced cucumber to the bowl. The cucumber will add a refreshing crispness to the dish.
Step 6
Arrange the thinly sliced perilla leaves attractively in their own bowl. Their aromatic fragrance will enhance the overall flavor of the marinade.
Step 7
It’s time to mix the marinade sauce ingredients. Start by adding half a tablespoon of minced garlic. The slight sharpness of the garlic will balance the flavors beautifully. (Sesame oil is not part of the original recipe; omit it or add a very small amount if you prefer.)
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness. You can substitute with corn syrup or sugar, and adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 9
(Sesame oil is not included in this recipe. You may omit it or add a very small amount for extra flavor if desired.)
Step 10
Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for aroma. Using freshly ground pepper will provide the best flavor.
Step 11
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season. It’s important to adjust the saltiness considering the natural saltiness of the tomatoes themselves. Taste and add more salt gradually if needed.
Step 12
Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried basil for a fragrant touch. If you have fresh basil, you can finely chop and add that as well.
Step 13
Finally, add 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and gently toss everything together until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Your delicious tomato marinade salad is ready! It’s best served chilled.
