Spring Aroma Delight: Chunamul Bibimbap Recipe
Fragrant Chunamul Salad, Fresh Seasoned Greens, Springtime Chunamul Bibimbap
Discover the exquisite taste and aroma of Chunamul, hailed as ‘the king of all greens,’ by making a fresh, vibrant salad. This simple yet flavorful dish, known as ‘Chunamul Saengchae,’ is not only a delightful side but also transforms into a delicious Bibimbap when mixed with rice, truly capturing the essence of spring.
Main Ingredients- Chunamul 1 bunch (approx. 250g)
Seasoning (Tablespoon measurements)- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum Syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (crushed)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum Syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (crushed)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the fresh Chunamul. Trim away any wilted leaves and the rough, dirty ends of the stems. Then, chop the greens into manageable pieces, about 5-7 cm long, giving them a rustic, hearty cut.
Step 2
After cleaning, soak the chopped Chunamul in a bowl of cold water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 5 minutes. This step helps to refresh and crisp up the greens. Gently rinse the greens two to three times under running water, then thoroughly drain any excess moisture by shaking them lightly or placing them in a colander.
Step 3
Now, let’s create the delicious dressing for your Chunamul salad. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Gochugaru, 0.5 tablespoon of sugar, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Maesilcheong, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of crushed toasted sesame seeds, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.
Step 4
For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to dress the salad just before serving. Take the amount of dressed Chunamul you wish to consume, add your prepared seasoning, and gently toss with chopsticks. Be careful not to overmix or crush the greens, as this can affect their crispness. Your vibrant Chunamul salad is now ready!
Step 5
The unique flavor profile of Chunamul is subtly bitter yet not unpleasant, complemented by the satisfyingly crisp texture of its stems. It offers a truly refreshing taste, evoking the feeling of springtime.
Step 6
This seasoned Chunamul is perfectly balanced, allowing the natural flavors of the greens to shine. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats. While onion pickles or seasoned scallions are popular year-round, we highly recommend enjoying this fragrant Chunamul salad during the spring season.
Step 7
Don’t forget to try it as a Bibimbap! Simply top your bowl of rice with this delicious Chunamul salad and mix everything together for a delightful spring-inspired meal.
