Warm Lettuce Salad
Dr. Kim So-hyung’s Recipe: Warm and Savory Lettuce Salad
This warm lettuce salad, gently blanched and seasoned, is rich in lactucarium, making it a ‘sleep tonic’ that aids in restful sleep. Lettuce is known for its benefits in relieving insomnia, combating anemia, and purifying the blood (cleansing effect). Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Main Ingredients- Fresh lettuce 200-250g
- Chicory a small amount (optional, adds extra flavor)
Warm Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce (adds umami)
- 3 Tbsp Plum extract (adds sweetness and tang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic (for flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Chili seed oil (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce (adds umami)
- 3 Tbsp Plum extract (adds sweetness and tang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic (for flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Chili seed oil (optional, for a spicy kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the lettuce and chicory under running water. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the washed lettuce and chicory, and blanch them for just about 3 seconds until they slightly wilt. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 2
Immediately transfer the blanched lettuce and chicory to a colander to drain any excess water. This step helps maintain their crisp texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp plum extract, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. If you prefer a hint of spiciness, you can add 1 Tbsp of chili seed oil (this is optional).
Step 4
Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into a small pan and heat it over medium heat. Once the sauce begins to bubble gently, turn off the heat immediately. Cooking the sauce for too long can alter its flavor.
Step 5
Arrange the slightly blanched, warm lettuce and chicory attractively on a serving plate. Drizzle the warm, freshly cooked sauce evenly over the top. Your delicious warm lettuce salad is now ready!
Step 6
You’ve now completed this warm lettuce salad, which is wonderfully tender yet retains a delightful crispness from the quick blanching. Doesn’t it look appetizing?
Step 7
Cooking lettuce warms its naturally cooling properties, making it easier to digest. Its tender texture combined with a sweet and tangy flavor makes it a perfect ‘rice thief’ for those times when your appetite is low, especially during summer meals. Enjoy this delightful and healthy dish!
