Spicy and Crunchy Deodeok Salad Recipe
Golden Recipe for Deodeok Salad: A Special Side Dish Made with Super Simple Seasoning
Deodeok, with its pleasantly bitter taste and rich aroma, is a treasure! While I personally enjoy it grilled with seasoning, I find myself favoring the crunchy texture of Deodeok salad even more. Recently, I found some fresh deodeok at the supermarket on a great sale, so I quickly grabbed it and made this delicious salad. The preparation might seem a bit tedious, but food that requires effort often tastes better, don’t you agree? Once it’s prepped, a simple toss with a flavorful deodeok dressing is all it takes to create a wonderful side dish!
Deodeok Salad Ingredients- 200g Deodeok root
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the delicious seasoning that will determine the flavor of your Deodeok salad! Combine 3 tablespoons of gochujang, a staple in Korean cuisine; 2 tablespoons of gochugaru for a delightful spice; 2 tablespoons of oligodang for a mild sweetness; 2 tablespoons of sugar; 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for its pungent aroma; 2 tablespoons of vinegar for a refreshing tang; 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for a nutty richness; and finally, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Stir everything together until well combined. Making the dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the deodeok.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to prepare the fresh deodeok root. Gently brush off any soil from the deodeok using a soft brush or your hands, and then rinse it thoroughly under running water. Blanch the cleaned deodeok in boiling water for about 20 seconds, then immediately plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, use a knife to carefully peel the skin away, similar to peeling a fruit. Try to peel smoothly without forcing, as aggressive peeling can remove too much of the root.
Step 3
After peeling, it’s important to gently pound the deodeok. This process helps the seasoning penetrate better. Place the peeled deodeok into a large plastic bag. Using a flat surface like a cutting board, the back of a ladle, or a rolling pin, lightly tap the deodeok to flatten it slightly. The goal is to tenderize it while keeping its fibrous texture intact. Be careful not to pound too hard, as this could break the deodeok apart.
Step 4
Now for the exciting part: mixing the deodeok with the delicious seasoning! Add the prepared spicy and sweet dressing to the pounded deodeok. Gently toss and mix using your hands. We recommend adding the dressing in two to three additions rather than all at once. This prevents the seasoning from clumping or coating the deodeok unevenly. Continue to mix gently until every piece is beautifully coated with the flavorful dressing. Your Deodeok Salad is now complete!
Step 5
Voila! Your wonderfully crunchy and aromatic Deodeok Salad is ready. This delicious side dish is so satisfying that it can easily make a simple meal feel complete, perhaps even finishing off a whole bowl of rice! The fragrant deodeok combined with the savory and slightly sweet seasoning is the perfect appetite-stimulating accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!
