3 Refreshing Lemon-Infused Sauces to Spark Your Appetite
3 Refreshing Lemon-Infused Sauces to Spark Your Appetite
Beat Holiday Food Fatigue: Make Lemon Gochujang, Grain Sauce, and Oriental Sauce to Revitalize Your Taste Buds
Holiday feasts are delicious, but sometimes after the first meal, the richness can become a bit overwhelming. Perhaps it’s the continuous indulgence starting from the day before! To combat this, I’ll share how to make three refreshing lemon-based sauces that will invigorate your palate. These are perfect for using up leftover festive dishes like ‘jeon’ (pancakes) or namul (seasoned vegetables) by turning them into a bibimbap, or for pairing with seafood. They also work wonderfully as sandwich fillings or salad dressings!
Oriental Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon salt
Grain Sauce- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt
Lemon Gochujang- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt
Lemon Gochujang- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This ‘Lemon Gochujang’ offers a delightful twist on classic gochujang. The hint of lemon makes it an exceptional pairing for seafood dishes, but it’s also fantastic as a dressing for fresh ‘geotjeori’ (spicy cabbage salad). For a creative use of holiday leftovers, mix it with some ‘namul’ (seasoned vegetables) and rice for a delicious bibimbap that cuts through any lingering richness.
Step 2
[Making Lemon Gochujang] In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Lemon Gochujang. You’ll need 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1.5 Tbsp vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt. Whisk everything together until well combined to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. 
Step 3
The ‘Grain Sauce’ is a versatile option that’s excellent as a sandwich spread when mixed with pickles. It’s also a fantastic dipping sauce for pan-fried or deep-fried tteokguk tteok (rice cakes), or even for sweet chewy rice cakes like ‘jeolpyeon’ for an unexpectedly delightful combination. It adds a unique flavor profile to many dishes.
Step 4
[Making Grain Sauce] In a small bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 Tbsp lemon salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce has a smooth, emulsified consistency. 
Step 5
This ‘Oriental Sauce’ is less greasy and more savory, making it a perfect complement to a variety of dishes. It’s particularly delicious for dipping ‘jeon’ (Korean pancakes), as it cuts through the oiliness. Traditionally, it’s also served with bread and salads. Its bright, zesty flavor profile makes it a great addition to grilled meats and vegetable dishes as well.
Step 6
[Making Oriental Sauce] Combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp lemon salt in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well blended into a cohesive dressing. 
