Nutritious Chive and Tofu Salad: A Refreshing & Healthy Delight
[Cancer-Prevention Recipe] Nutrient-Rich Chive and Tofu Salad & Bibimbap
A perfect harmony of healthy, nutrient-rich chives and soft tofu! Tossed with a sweet and spicy dressing, this salad becomes a stunning addition to any meal. It’s also a fantastic standalone dish when mixed with rice. We’ll show you this incredibly simple recipe, topped with fragrant toasted sesame seeds for extra nutty flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch of nutrient-rich chives (cleaned and trimmed)
- 1 block of firm tofu (firm or stewing tofu recommended)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 carrot
- Lettuce (optional, for added freshness)
Spicy & Sweet Dressing
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to your preference for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong, for sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- Toasted sesame seeds, to taste (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to your preference for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong, for sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- Toasted sesame seeds, to taste (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all the ingredients for the recipe. Chives and tofu are essential, but also prepare onion and carrot for a nice crunch. You can add lettuce or green onions for an even richer salad. If you plan to make bibimbap, prepare rice, a hearty soybean paste sauce (gangdoenjang), and a fried egg.
Step 2
Rinse the nutrient-rich chives thoroughly under running water to keep them fresh. Carefully remove any soil or debris from the roots, and trim off any wilted or unsightly leaves for a clean presentation.
Step 3
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully add the whole block of tofu and blanch for 1-2 minutes. This step removes any unwanted odor from the tofu and firms it up, making it ideal for salads and other dishes.
Step 4
While the tofu is blanching, peel the onion and slice it thinly into julienne strips. If the strips are too thick, the dressing might not penetrate well, so aim for very thin slices.
Step 5
Peel the carrot and julienne it into thin strips, similar in thickness to the onion. This will add a beautiful color and a delightful crisp texture.
Step 6
Cut the cleaned chives into manageable lengths of about 4-5 cm (approximately 1.5-2 inches). Cutting them too short might cause them to fall apart easily, so aim for a good, bite-sized length.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 2.5 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix them well. Taste the dressing and adjust the vinegar or plum extract according to your preference. Once the dressing is ready, add the prepared chives, onion, and carrot. Gently toss everything together with your hands. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can crush the chives. ‘Jumul-jumul’ (gently tossing) is the key here.
Step 8
Drain the blanched tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm (roughly 1-inch) cubes. Handle the tofu carefully to prevent it from breaking apart when adding it to the salad.
Step 9
Arrange the cut tofu attractively on a serving plate or in a bowl. Generously pile the tossed chive mixture on top of the tofu. Finally, sprinkle a good amount of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. Your simple yet beautiful Nutrient-Rich Chive and Tofu Salad is now complete!
Step 10
If you feel like the salad alone isn’t enough, consider transforming any leftover chive mixture into a delicious bibimbap! Place the nutrient-rich chives generously over a bowl of warm rice. Add a spoonful of savory gangdoenjang and a golden-fried egg on top. A drizzle of sesame oil and a good mix will create an incredibly tasty meal!
