Springtime’s Fragrant Seasoned Young Garlic
Fragrant Spring Garlic Salad! A Seasonal Delicacy You Won’t Want to Miss!
Young garlic, just beginning to appear, is tender and wonderfully sweet, making it a spring vegetable I highly recommend. Its natural aroma and flavor are so delightful that it requires no special seasoning, resulting in a simple and quick recipe. Experience the essence of spring with this refreshing and appetizing young garlic salad!
Main Ingredients- 450g young garlic
- 1-2 red chilies
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, ground
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, ground
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Young garlic is so flavorful on its own that it doesn’t need any other special ingredients; you can enjoy it simply seasoned. Red chilies can also be omitted if you prefer.
Step 2
Trim the roots of the young garlic and peel off any rough outer layers. Also, remove any yellowing or wilted tips from the leaves.
Step 3
Carefully spread open the leaves of the prepared young garlic and wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris caught between them. Ensuring cleanliness highlights the fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step 4
Cut the thicker stems in half lengthwise, and leave the thinner ones whole. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. For the red chilies, remove the seeds and thinly slice them diagonally.
Step 5
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil with 1 Tbsp of salt. Briefly blanch the prepared young garlic for about 1 minute. Since young garlic is very tender, overcooking will make it mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched garlic to cold water to stop the cooking process, then gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
Step 6
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients according to the measurements listed. Mix them well to create a delicious dressing.
Step 7
Add the drained young garlic to the seasoning mixture and gently toss or ‘massage’ it with your hands until evenly coated. As the amount of prepared garlic can vary, it’s best to add the seasoning gradually and taste as you go, rather than adding it all at once.
Step 8
This young garlic salad, enhanced with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, pairs beautifully with the garlic’s natural fragrance. Enjoy this delightful spring vegetable side dish!
