Aromatic Chwinamul Salad: A Taste of Spring
Spring’s Delight! Easy and Delicious Chwinamul Salad Recipe
Experience the fresh taste of spring with this vibrant Chwinamul salad! Made with the season’s finest wild aster greens, this simple side dish is packed with aromatic flavor and a delightful slightly bitter-sweet profile. Perfect for boosting your appetite!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh Chwinamul (wild aster greens, approx. 200-300g)
- 1 pinch coarse salt (for blanching)
- 3-4 cups water (for blanching)
Flavorful Dressing
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 0.5 Tbsp Plum extract or syrup (for a sweet and tangy note)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic (for a pungent kick)
- 1 Tbsp Minced green onion (for texture and freshness)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 0.5 Tbsp Plum extract or syrup (for a sweet and tangy note)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic (for a pungent kick)
- 1 Tbsp Minced green onion (for texture and freshness)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing one bunch of aromatic Chwinamul. Choosing fresh greens is the first step to a delicious salad.
Step 2
It’s important to trim the Chwinamul appropriately. Specifically, remove any parts of the stems that are too thick and tough.
Step 3
Trim the greens, keeping mainly the leaves and tender stems. Lightly rinse the prepared greens under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 4
Bring 3-4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot, adding a pinch of coarse salt. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared Chwinamul and blanch for about 1 minute, just until the greens are slightly wilted. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the greens mushy and diminish their texture.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, plunge the Chwinamul into a bowl of cold water to cool it down. This shocking process helps the greens retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. Excess water can dilute the dressing and prevent it from coating the greens evenly.
Step 6
In a clean mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 0.5 Tbsp plum extract, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp minced green onion, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a smooth dressing.
Step 7
Finally, add the squeezed Chwinamul to the prepared dressing. Gently toss and mix the greens with your hands, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. This is how you create a delicious Chwinamul salad! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, perhaps with a little more salt or soy sauce. Enjoy this fragrant and delightful spring side dish!
