Quick & Easy 10-Minute Chives Salad (Buchu Geotjeori)
The Perfect 10-Minute Chives Salad Recipe: A Delicious Side Dish for Meat and Rice
Hello everyone! Are you looking for a quick and flavorful side dish? This recipe for Buchu Geotjeori (spicy young chives salad) is incredibly simple and takes just about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for when you have leftover chives or need a refreshing addition to your meal. Its vibrant flavor pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and is also a delightful side for plain rice. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh chives (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 medium onion (approx. 50g)
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Fish Sauce (or substitute with Kkanari or Anchovy Fish Sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Fish Sauce (or substitute with Kkanari or Anchovy Fish Sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Tip: If you don’t have tuna fish sauce, you can use Kkanari or anchovy fish sauce. The type of fish sauce can subtly change the umami flavor, so choose one you prefer.
Step 2
First, trim any tough ends from the chives and wash them thoroughly under running water. Drain the chives well in a colander. For best results, you can gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
To minimize washing up, I like to use the same bowl I used for making napa cabbage kimchi! (Because who doesn’t love fewer dishes? 😊) Cut the prepared chives into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 inches long. Thinly slice the half onion.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chives and sliced onion. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp maesil cheong, and 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands until the chives are evenly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to overmix or mash the chives, as this can create a raw ‘green’ taste. Treat them delicately, like you would a fragile ingredient.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added nutty aroma and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of sesame oil to finish. Although there are several seasoning ingredients, the mixing process is surprisingly quick and easy!
Step 7
This wonderfully spicy and fragrant chives salad is a fantastic accompaniment to any grilled meat, cutting through richness and adding a burst of flavor. It’s also delicious tucked inside lettuce wraps (ssam) when enjoying Korean BBQ! We recently enjoyed it with spicy stir-fried pork and romaine lettuce wraps, and it was a match made in heaven. Make your next dinner unforgettable!
