Fragrant Cilantro Salad (Gosu Muchim)
An Accidental Discovery: Mastering Lee Young-ja’s Cilantro Salad Recipe
Following the recent trend of green onion kimchi, I was intrigued by TV broadcasts featuring kimchi recipes using the same seasoning base for basil and cilantro. As a big fan of cilantro, I was curious about the unique flavor combination of exotic cilantro with traditional Korean kimchi seasoning. So, I bought a bunch of fresh cilantro from the market and decided to give it a try. Initially, I found the seasoning a bit too strong. While it was acceptable when eaten immediately after mixing, I strongly advise against refrigerating it for a day or two, as it developed a bitter aftertaste. Learning from this experience, I adjusted the seasoning to correct the issues and made a revised cilantro salad using the leftover cilantro. This improved version is less intense, perfectly balanced with a savory seasoning and a nutty finish from sesame oil, making it a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meat dish. ^^
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
Seasoning for Cilantro Salad
- 1 Tbsp crab or shrimp paste (Ggotge Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp brewed soy sauce (Yangjo Ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp red chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 clove ginger, minced
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp crab or shrimp paste (Ggotge Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp brewed soy sauce (Yangjo Ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp red chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 clove ginger, minced
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully remove any yellow or wilted leaves from the cilantro. Trim off the very bottom of the roots. Then, soak the cilantro in cold water for about 10 minutes to refresh it. Rinse thoroughly multiple times under running water to ensure all dirt and impurities are completely washed away.
Step 2
After washing, it’s important to drain the cilantro well. Place it in a colander and let it sit for a while so that excess water can drip off. Proper draining ensures that the seasoning will adhere evenly to the cilantro leaves.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning for the cilantro salad. Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix them thoroughly until well combined. The crab or shrimp paste and soy sauce provide umami, the chili powder adds a mild spiciness, the sugar and plum extract offer a subtle sweetness, the minced garlic and ginger contribute to the aroma, and finally, the sesame oil and sesame seeds create a nutty finish.
Step 4
Add the well-drained cilantro to the prepared seasoning bowl. Gently toss and mix to ensure the seasoning coats all the cilantro leaves and stems evenly. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can make the cilantro mushy.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for an added nutty flavor. Your fragrant and delicious cilantro salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Eating it immediately will allow you to fully appreciate the fresh aroma of the cilantro and the harmonious blend of flavors from the seasoning.
