Soft and Savory Mallow Salad with Soybean Paste
Boost Your Appetite with this Healthy Side Dish! The Secret to Delicious Mallow Salad
Discover how to make a nutritious and flavorful Mallow Salad! This recipe perfectly balances the slightly bitter taste of mallow with the savory depth of soybean paste, making it a dish everyone can enjoy. It’s a true rice-lover’s delight!
Main Ingredients- 200g mallow
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soybean paste
- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Mallow Preparation- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
For Blanching Mallow- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste
- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Mallow Preparation- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
For Blanching Mallow- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh mallow. Trim and discard any tough, thick stem parts.
Step 2
Remove any wilted or damaged leaves. For the tender stems, gently snap them and peel off the outer skin. This step makes the mallow much softer and more pleasant to eat, enhancing its texture.
Step 3
If the mallow leaves are very large, tear them in half to make them a more manageable size for eating and seasoning. This ensures the dressing coats evenly and makes cooking easier.
Step 4
Place the prepared mallow in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Gently rub and knead the mallow with your hands. As you knead, a vibrant green liquid will start to release. This process is crucial for removing the mallow’s characteristic grassy flavor, bitterness, and slimy texture. Be sure to knead thoroughly.
Step 5
Once a moderate amount of green liquid has been released, rinse the mallow 2-3 times under cold running water. After rinsing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. This prevents the salad from becoming watery when dressed.
Step 6
Bring a pot of water with 1/2 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the prepared mallow and blanch for about 2 minutes, or until the stems are slightly tender. (If using young, tender mallow, blanch for just 1 minute.)
Step 7
Immediately after blanching, rinse the mallow under cold water to quickly cool it down. This helps maintain its bright green color and a pleasant crisp texture. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess water again.
Step 8
Cut the squeezed mallow into bite-sized pieces. Pieces about 2-3 cm long are ideal for this salad.
Step 9
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soybean paste, 1/2 tablespoon of anchovy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Mix well. The saltiness of soybean paste can vary by brand, so taste and adjust to your preference for the perfect flavor.
Step 10
Add the cut mallow to the prepared dressing. Gently toss to ensure the seasoning coats the mallow evenly. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the mallow mushy.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor. Your nutritious Mallow Salad with Soybean Paste is ready! It’s delicious served over warm rice.
