Aromatic Seasoned Field Cress Salad
Aromatic Seasoned Field Cress Salad
Spring is Here! Let’s Embrace the Season with a Delicious Field Cress Salad.
The season of spring flowers blooming on our dining tables has returned. Field cress (naengi) is my absolute favorite among all spring vegetables, so I decided to make a seasoned salad with it. While most people prefer to season it with soybean paste, I find that for field cress, a gochujang-based seasoning better preserves its unique aroma and enhances its flavor. Field cress is a rare delicacy that can only be enjoyed this time of year, so be sure to purchase it when in season and create a delightful meal! ^^
Ingredients- 200g Field Cress (Naengi)
Seasoning Paste- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Coarse Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Scallion
- 1 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Coarse Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Scallion
- 1 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully trim the field cress, removing any dirt or unwanted parts. Then, rinse it thoroughly under running water multiple times to ensure it’s perfectly clean and ready for use.
Step 2
Once the field cress is clean, bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Briefly blanch the field cress for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can diminish its delicate aroma.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched field cress to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Rinse it several times in the cold water to remove any remaining soil or impurities.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the field cress using your hands. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this might crush the delicate leaves. Place the water-squeezed field cress into a mixing bowl, ready for seasoning.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful seasoning paste! Finely chop the scallions after washing and trimming them. This will add a fresh, pungent aroma to the salad.
Step 6
Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) of Gochujang. This is roughly equivalent to about half of a standard Korean soup spoon (a ‘ppa’ spoon).
Step 7
To the Gochujang, add 2 Tbsp of coarse gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of chopped scallion, 1 Tbsp of sweet plum extract, 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds or sesame seeds for a nutty flavor, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for umami, and 2 Tbsp of fragrant sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly to create the seasoning paste. (You can also add 1 tsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness, adjusting to your preference.)
Step 8
Pour the prepared seasoning paste over the squeezed field cress in the mixing bowl. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the leaves.
Step 9
It’s time to mix! Instead of vigorously kneading the salad, gently toss and mix the field cress as if you were handling a baby. This careful mixing ensures the seasoning coats the leaves without tangling or bruising them, preserving their fresh texture and appearance.
Step 10
Field cress salad is delicious with a hint of sweetness and richness. Feel free to add a little more sesame oil, sesame seeds, or sugar to suit your taste. And there you have it – a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful field cress salad bursting with the taste of spring! Enjoy your meal! ^^
