Sweet & Tangy Scallion Salad (Pajeori)
Sweet & Tangy Scallion Salad (Pajeori)
Simple and Delicious Scallion Salad Recipe – A Perfect Spring Side Dish
Today, we’re sharing a recipe for a delightful scallion salad, perfect as a simple side dish for any meal. This quick and easy dish, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is a fantastic accompaniment to rice.
Scallion Salad Ingredients- 200g fresh young scallions
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of minced garlic (adjust to taste)
Sweet & Tangy Gochujang Dressing- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re using fresh, young scallions, ideally from early spring. Make sure to wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
Step 2
Here’s the secret to perfectly blanched scallions: Bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Dip the white root ends of the scallions into the boiling water for about 20 seconds. Then, add the green leafy parts and gently stir for just 10 seconds. Immediately remove them from the boiling water. (Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy!)
Step 3
Quickly rinse the blanched scallions under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Then, cut the scallions into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long.
Step 4
Let’s prepare the sweet and tangy dressing! In a bowl, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, maesilcheong, oligodang, and vinegar. A good starting ratio is 2:1:1:1:2 (gochujang:gochugaru:maesilcheong:oligodang:vinegar). Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to suit your personal preference.
Step 5
Add the prepared dressing to the cut scallions. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. A small amount of gochugaru is added not just for spice, but also to help absorb any excess moisture released from the scallions, ensuring the dressing clings well.
Step 6
Finally, add the minced garlic, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Give it one last gentle toss to combine. Your delicious scallion salad is now ready to be served!
