Refreshing and Tangy Seaweed Salad with Radish (Paerae Muchim)
How to Make a Delicious Seaweed and Radish Salad: A Flavorful Korean Dish
Introducing a delightful winter delicacy, Paerae Muchim, bursting with the refreshing aroma of the sea and a wonderfully crisp texture. This vibrant salad, made with seasonal laver (paerae) and fresh radish, offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s an invigorating side dish that truly awakens your appetite, making it a must-have on your table.
Main Ingredients
- 150g laver (paerae)
- 200g radish
- A few green onions
- A little toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s crucial to clean the fresh laver thoroughly. To remove any impurities, gently rub the laver with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Then, rinse it multiple times under running water. After washing, place the laver in a sieve to drain excess water completely.
Step 2
Thinly julienne the radish, which will add a delightful crunch. Slicing it thinly ensures it absorbs the dressing well and maintains a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Place the julienned radish in a bowl and mix it with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let it marinate for about 10-20 minutes. This step helps remove any bitterness from the radish and enhances its crispness.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sweet and tangy dressing. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of plum extract, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 5
Add the drained laver to a bowl. Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the laver and gently mix with your hands, ensuring the laver is evenly coated.
Step 6
Gently squeeze out excess liquid from the marinated radish, then add it to the dressed laver. Add the remaining dressing and toss everything together gently. Be careful not to mash the radish; mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 7
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add a little more vinegar for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or salt to enhance the overall flavor. Ensure the flavors are well-balanced.
Step 8
Finally, transfer the finished Paerae Muchim to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with finely chopped green onions. Your fragrant and flavorful seaweed salad is now ready to be enjoyed, perhaps with a warm bowl of rice!
