Refreshing & Sweet Tomato Arugula Salad
Tomato Arugula Salad: Unexpectedly Delicious! An Ultra-Simple Tomato Kimchi Recipe
When tomatoes are perfectly in season and bursting with flavor, toss them with plum extract and chili powder to create a super-easy, quick ‘tomato kimchi’. This dish is a delightful way to enjoy fresh tomatoes with a unique, tangy twist.
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 apple (optional)
- 1/4 hallabong or orange (optional)
- 1 handful fresh arugula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove the stems. Cut them into large cubes, about 2-3 cm in size. If you are using apple and hallabong (or orange), remove the seeds and dice them into similar-sized pieces as the tomatoes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cut ingredients and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps to lightly draw out moisture from the vegetables, improving the texture of the salad and seasoning them. The fruits add a refreshing flavor, but the dish is still delicious with just tomatoes, so feel free to adjust them according to your preference.
Step 2
To the pre-salted tomatoes and fruits, add 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru (fine Korean chili flakes) and 1 tablespoon of sweet maesilcheong (plum extract). Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can cause the tomatoes to break down. The maesilcheong balances the sweet and tangy flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the tomatoes.
Step 3
Now, tear the fresh arugula into bite-sized pieces and add it to the mixture. Gently toss to combine. The slightly bitter flavor and aroma of arugula harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the tanginess of the plum extract, creating a complex and delightful taste experience. To prevent the arugula from becoming too wilted, mix it just enough until the dressing is evenly coated.
Step 4
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish. For an even more robust nutty flavor, you can lightly crush the sesame seeds between your fingers before sprinkling them. The finished Tomato Arugula Salad can be enjoyed immediately, or for an even more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator for a short while. It makes a wonderful side dish for rice or a light, flavorful salad.
