Aromatic Spring Delight! Fresh and Flavorful NAE-I Salad Recipe
Aromatic Spring Delight! Fresh and Flavorful NAE-I Salad Recipe
Bring the Essence of Spring to Your Table! Making Nutritious NAE-I Salad with Seasonal Korean Herbs
As the gentle spring breeze arrives, so does the season for fresh spring herbs! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘Nae-i Muchim’ (seasoned Korean hedge nettle), a delicacy that captures the very essence of spring. Using fresh nae-i, easily found in markets, you can enjoy the vibrant taste of spring conveniently at home. I’ll guide you through the simple seasonings that maximize the herb’s aromatic flavor and the gentle mixing technique, explained in detail so anyone can follow along. Create a healthy and delicious spring dish right now!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh Nae-i (Korean hedge nettle, approx. 200g)
- 1/3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The journey to a delicious Nae-i Muchim begins with careful preparation! Let’s meticulously clean and trim the nae-i to fully capture its spring aroma.
Step 2
First, carefully examine the leaves of the nae-i. Remove any wilted, dried, discolored, or mushy leaves. Keeping only fresh leaves will ensure the salad’s vibrant quality.
Step 3
The roots of the nae-i might have soil or very fine root hairs attached. Use the sharp edge of a knife to gently scrape the surface of the roots, which will cleanly remove any dirt or tiny roots. Be careful not to scrape too deeply.
Step 4
The area where the roots meet the leaves can sometimes hide dirt or be a bit tough. Gently trim this part with a knife; this not only makes it easier to eat but also helps the seasoning penetrate better.
Step 5
If the nae-i pieces are quite large, cut them in half lengthwise. This makes them easier to mix and more comfortable to eat with rice. After trimming, rinse the nae-i thoroughly under running water several times. Drain them well in a colander, shaking off excess water.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the key to the flavor: the seasoning! In a small bowl, combine 1/3 Tbsp doenjang, 1/2 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Finally, add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until well combined. Your delicious seasoning sauce is ready!
Step 7
Add the cleaned and drained nae-i to the prepared seasoning sauce. Now, gently mix everything together with your hands, using a ‘jog-jog’ motion. Be careful not to mash the nae-i, ensuring the seasoning coats every piece evenly. The fragrant nae-i combined with the savory seasoning will create a truly wonderful Nae-i Muchim!
