Refreshing and Crunchy! Spring Herb and Squid Salad
Revitalizing Spring Dish: Learn How to Make a Delicious Squid and Spring Herb Salad
This vibrant Squid and Spring Herb Salad is a perfect dish to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring. Packed with Vitamin C and calcium, it’s great for combating fatigue, and its sweet and tangy taste is sure to awaken your appetite. We’ll guide you through making this simple yet impressive dish with fresh spring herbs and chewy squid, providing detailed steps and even exploring the health benefits of spring herbs.
Main Ingredients- 150g Spring Herbs (Dolnamul)
- 1 Fresh Squid
Sweet & Tangy Dressing- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust sourness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for aroma)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust sourness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully prepare the fresh spring herbs. Remove any dirt or wilted leaves, and then wash them thoroughly under running water. When washing, gently rub them with your fingertips to avoid bruising, which helps preserve their crisp texture and fresh aroma. After washing, drain them well in a colander until completely dry.
Step 2
Properly cleaning the squid is key. First, separate the body from the tentacles. Then, remove the internal organs and the quill from the body. You can peel the skin or leave it on, but it’s commonly peeled for a cleaner look. Rinse the squid thoroughly under running water. To make the squid more tender and visually appealing, make diagonal cuts on the inside of the squid body. Briefly blanch the squid in boiling water for about 1 minute, then immediately submerge it in ice-cold water to make it firm and chewy. Drain the blanched squid completely.
Step 3
Now, let’s cut the squid into bite-sized pieces. Considering that squid shrinks when cooked, cut the body into round, appealing pieces that aren’t too thin. Cut the tentacles into appropriate lengths as well.
Step 4
Time to make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine the gochujang, plum extract, sugar, vinegar, minced green onion, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of plum extract or vinegar according to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 5
Finally, let’s toss everything together! Place the prepared spring herbs and sliced squid in a large bowl. Generously pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Gently mix with your hands, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break down the delicate herbs. For an extra touch, sprinkle more toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful Squid and Spring Herb Salad immediately!
