Crisp Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) Recipe
Crisp Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori) Recipe
The Perfect Companion for Grilled Meats: How to Make Fresh and Delicious Lettuce Salad
This lettuce salad, or ‘Sangchu Geotjeori,’ is an indispensable side dish when enjoying grilled meats like samgyeopsal! It’s surprisingly simple to make and is perfect for whetting your appetite, especially during the summer. While easy to prepare, the key to a fantastic lettuce salad lies in the balance of its dressing. Follow this golden ratio for a fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned salad every time!
Main Ingredients- 1 handful lettuce (approx. 100g)
- 1/4 onion (approx. 30g)
- 1/2 cucumber (approx. 50g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh lettuce under cool running water. For extra peace of mind, you can soak the lettuce briefly in water with a splash of vinegar to remove any impurities, then rinse. Gently shake off excess water or pat dry with paper towels. You can chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces or tear it into larger pieces with your hands for a more rustic texture.
Step 2
Prepare the onion and cucumber to add a delightful crunch to your salad. The cucumber lends a refreshing, cool flavor that elevates the geotjeori. Feel free to mix in other greens like chicory for added variety. If the sharp flavor of raw onion is not to your liking, thinly slice it and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining. This will mellow its pungency.
Step 3
The secret to delicious geotjeori is the dressing! In a separate small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: red pepper flakes, minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until well blended. This recipe is balanced with a sweet and tangy flavor, but feel free to adjust the vinegar and sugar to your personal preference. More vinegar for a tangier taste, or a bit more sugar for sweetness.
Step 4
Now, let’s bring it all together! Place the prepared lettuce, onion, and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. While a handful of lettuce looks abundant raw, it will wilt down significantly once tossed with the dressing. So, don’t be shy about making a generous portion! Think of one handful of lettuce as roughly enough for one side dish serving.
Step 5
Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the salad using your hands. Be careful not to over-mix or knead vigorously, as this can make the lettuce too soft and lose its crispness. The goal is to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing without bruising the leaves. Toss lightly until everything is well combined. Your fresh and flavorful lettuce salad is now ready to enjoy!
