Fresh Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori): A Crisp and Vibrant Spring Side Dish
Fresh Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori): Capturing the Essence of Spring’s Freshness
A simple yet incredibly refreshing lettuce salad, tossed with crisp apple and onion in a light, flavorful dressing. This dish is perfect for brightening up any meal with its vibrant taste and texture.
Key Ingredients- 20 leaves fresh lettuce
- 1/4 apple (for natural sweetness)
- 1/4 onion (for a crisp bite and aromatic flavor)
Vibrant Dressing- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 1 tsp aged soy sauce or fish sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp ginger syrup (for a unique Korean sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract or syrup (for a sweet and sour balance)
- Sesame oil, to taste (for nutty aroma)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 1 tsp aged soy sauce or fish sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp ginger syrup (for a unique Korean sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract or syrup (for a sweet and sour balance)
- Sesame oil, to taste (for nutty aroma)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the apple and onion. Wash them thoroughly. Core the apple and slice it into thin matchsticks. Peel the onion and thinly slice it as well. Place the julienned apple and onion into a large mixing bowl. Tip: If you don’t have apples, you can substitute with Korean pear, persimmon, or even tangerines for a seasonal twist on the flavor!
Step 2
To the bowl with the apple and onion, add all the dressing ingredients: gochugaru, soy sauce, aged soy sauce (or fish sauce), ginger syrup, and plum extract. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the vegetables are lightly coated with the seasoning. Tip: Preparing the dressing beforehand allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
Now, it’s time for the star of the dish: the lettuce. Wash the fresh lettuce leaves carefully under running water and pat them dry. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Tip: To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, lightly toss the apple and onion with the dressing first, then add the lettuce and gently mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the lettuce wilt.
Step 4
Once everything is gently tossed together, add the finishing touches for aroma and flavor. Drizzle a generous amount of nutty sesame oil over the salad and sprinkle with plenty of sesame seeds. Tip: While sesame oil is wonderful, I find that perilla oil (deulgireum) truly elevates this specific salad, offering a unique, fragrant complement to the fresh ingredients. You can also use a mix of both.
Step 5
Serve the fresh lettuce salad immediately. Its vibrant combination of crisp lettuce, sweet apple, pungent onion, and savory dressing is sure to be a delightful addition to any meal, perfectly complementing rice or grilled dishes.
