Autumn’s Delight: Savory & Spicy Gizzard Shad Salad (Jeoneo Hoe Muchim)
Autumn’s Delight: Savory & Spicy Gizzard Shad Salad (Jeoneo Hoe Muchim)
The Ultimate Fall Dish: Gizzard Shad Salad Recipe
The aroma of grilled gizzard shad signals the arrival of autumn, a scent so enticing that even a runaway daughter-in-law would return home! This season, we’re transforming fresh gizzard shad into a vibrant salad that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor. The sweet, sour, and spicy dressing perfectly complements the rich, nutty taste of the fish, making it an appetite-stimulating dish. It’s fantastic as a side dish for rice or a delightful accompaniment to your favorite drinks.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack fresh gizzard shad sashimi (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 carrot
- 3 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 onion
- Pinch of salt (for final seasoning adjustment)
Sweet, Sour & Spicy Dressing- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 5 Tbsp apple juice (for sweetness and flavor)
- 3 Tbsp cola (for caramel notes and tenderness)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup) (for balanced sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 5 Tbsp apple juice (for sweetness and flavor)
- 3 Tbsp cola (for caramel notes and tenderness)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup) (for balanced sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the fresh ingredients that will make this gizzard shad salad truly shine. Wash everything thoroughly and get ready for some slicing and dicing.
Step 2
Prepare the gizzard shad sashimi according to your preference. If you prefer a softer texture, you can remove the bones and slice the fish into thin strips. However, to fully experience the unique nutty flavor and satisfying chew of the gizzard shad, keeping the bones and slicing them thinly is highly recommended for a truly authentic taste. If you opt for bones-in, ensure the slices are as thin as possible to avoid any grittiness.
Step 3
The cucumber, carrot, and onion will add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color. Slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick, either julienned or in half-moon shapes. For a touch of heat and visual appeal, deseed the Cheongyang and red chili peppers, then finely mince or thinly slice them.
Step 4
Now, let’s whip up the delicious dressing that ties everything together! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochujang, and 0.5 Tbsp doenjang.
Step 5
Next, add 4 Tbsp vinegar for a zesty kick, 2 Tbsp maesilcheong for balanced sweetness, 5 Tbsp apple juice for natural sweetness and depth of flavor, and 3 Tbsp cola for a hint of caramel and to help tenderize the ingredients. Finish with a pinch of black pepper and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Step 6
Using chopsticks or a whisk, mix all the dressing ingredients thoroughly until smooth. Using apple juice and cola instead of sugar provides a natural sweetness and a richer flavor profile. Your delicious dressing is now ready!
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the prepared gizzard shad sashimi with the sliced cucumber, carrot, onion, and chili peppers.
Step 8
Pour the prepared dressing generously over the fish and vegetables. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, being careful not to mash the delicate fish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. A gentle hand is key to keeping the gizzard shad intact.
