Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Saengchae Muchim)
How to Make Restaurant-Style Spicy Lettuce Salad
A quick and refreshing side dish that requires no cooking, ready in just 5 minutes! Perfect with grilled meats or as a standalone appetizer. This vibrant lettuce salad is incredibly simple to make and bursting with flavor. Enjoy the crispness of fresh lettuce tossed in a zesty, savory dressing.
Ingredients
- 100g fresh lettuce
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.3 Tbsp seasoned salt (mat-so-geum)
- 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by gently rinsing the lettuce under cool water. Then, soak the lettuce in a bowl of water mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to remove any residual soil or impurities. After soaking, rinse the lettuce thoroughly again under running water until no dirt remains. Place the lettuce in a colander to drain completely; removing excess water is key to maintaining its crisp texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 0.3 Tbsp seasoned salt, 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp vinegar, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. A special tip for that authentic restaurant taste: using seasoned salt (mat-so-geum) adds a unique umami depth that plain salt can’t replicate. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined to create your delicious dressing.
Step 3
You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it. However, it’s best to toss the lettuce with the dressing just before serving to ensure maximum crispness, as lettuce wilts quickly. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference by adding more or less sugar and vinegar. Remember, prepare the dressing ahead, and toss the salad at the last moment for the freshest result!
Step 4
This spicy lettuce salad is often the final touch to a meal, adding a refreshing contrast. Tear the prepared lettuce into bite-sized pieces by hand for a more natural look and texture, rather than cutting it. Place the torn lettuce over the prepared dressing, ready for the final toss.
Step 5
For an extra crunch and a touch of oniony bite, you can add a small amount of thinly julienned onion. To mix, use your fingertips or chopsticks to gently toss the lettuce and dressing. Avoid vigorous mixing, as this can bruise the lettuce and make it soggy. A light hand will preserve the lettuce’s refreshing crispness. This method guarantees a delicious, restaurant-quality spicy lettuce salad right in your own kitchen!
Step 6
The finished salad boasts a delightful sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to whet your appetite. Lettuce in the summer is particularly crisp and succulent, making it less prone to wilting, which is perfect for this dish. It’s an ideal side for hot days when you might not feel like eating heavy meals.
Step 7
If you’ve made extra dressing, store it in the refrigerator. Then, whenever you crave a fresh side, simply prepare the amount of lettuce you need and quickly toss it with the dressing. This is an indispensable side dish for summer meals and is especially wonderful with grilled meats, enhancing their flavor and making them even more enjoyable. Elevate your summer dining experience with this simple yet incredibly tasty recipe!
