Seasonal Delight! Fragrant Burdock Leaf Salad Recipe
Don’t Miss This Unique Side Dish: A Must-Try Burdock Leaf Salad!
Discover the unique flavor of burdock leaves, a seasonal delicacy, with this aromatic salad recipe. While less common than spinach or other typical greens, burdock leaf salad offers a distinctive and refreshing taste that will awaken your palate. Burdock leaves are often used for wraps or pickles, but when young and tender, they make an excellent and surprisingly simple salad. Elevate your meal with this healthy and delicious side dish.
Ingredients- Fresh burdock leaves, a suitable amount
- 1 Tbsp Korean soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh burdock leaves. If you forage them yourself or find them at the market, seize the opportunity! Commercially available burdock leaves can be quite large and might be better suited for wraps than a delicate salad. For salad purposes, choose young, tender leaves. Rinse the prepared burdock leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the cleaned burdock leaves and blanch them. They require slightly longer blanching than spinach, similar to the time needed forBalloon flower roots. Adjust the cooking time based on the tenderness of the leaves.
Step 3
Blanch the burdock leaves until they are submerged and tender. If any stems are particularly thick or tough, extend the blanching time for those parts. Once blanched, immediately drain the leaves and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to ensure the dressing adheres well.
Step 4
Place the squeezed burdock leaves in a bowl. Add the Korean soy sauce (soup soy sauce), minced garlic, and sesame oil. For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a small amount of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) – it pairs wonderfully with burdock leaves. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
Step 5
Finally, generously sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds. The nutty aroma and flavor of the sesame seeds will significantly enhance the overall taste of the burdock leaf salad. Gently massage the salad with your hands to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Your fragrant and delicious burdock leaf salad is now ready to enjoy!
