Bitter Gourd Salad (Yeoju Geotjeori): A Nutrient-Rich Side Dish
Bitter Gourd Salad (Yeoju Geotjeori): A Nutrient-Rich Side Dish
A Special Yeoju Geotjeori Recipe for Managing Diabetes
Are you new to bitter gourd (yeoju)? This unique vegetable is known for its potential benefits in managing diabetes and has a distinct, slightly bitter taste. While not typically eaten raw, it’s wonderfully versatile when cooked. It pairs exceptionally well with stir-fried meats or can be incorporated into various vegetable dishes. Bitter gourd is packed with Vitamin C, which is notably heat-stable, making it an excellent choice for combating summer heat and promoting skin health. Consuming Vitamin C and Vitamin E together from bitter gourd can offer potent antioxidant effects. Enjoy this refreshing bitter gourd salad for a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals!
**Tip! How to Choose Fresh Bitter Gourd:**
1. Select gourds that are straight and feel heavy for their size.
2. Avoid gourds with swollen roots.
3. Look for gourds with pronounced, shiny, and densely packed bumps on the surface.
4. Choose gourds with a clear, deep green color.
*This video guide is best viewed starting from 01:36.*
Main Ingredients- 1 Bitter Gourd (Yeoju)
- 1/4 Onion
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- A pinch of Oligodang (Corn Syrup) for sweetness
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- A pinch of Oligodang (Corn Syrup) for sweetness
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the onion, wash it thoroughly, and thinly slice it into julienne strips. Set the sliced onions aside to slightly drain any excess moisture.
Step 2
To prepare the bitter gourd, scrub it clean using baking soda or coarse salt. Remove the stem, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and pith with a spoon. Slice the gourd into thin half-moon shapes. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt, and blanch the bitter gourd slices for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer the blanched gourd to cold water to cool it down, then gently squeeze out any excess water. This process helps significantly reduce the bitterness.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared bitter gourd and julienned onions. Add the minced garlic, gochugaru, mirin, oligodang, vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Gently toss everything together until well combined to create the delicious bitter gourd salad. Taste and adjust the sweetness with oligodang or the saltiness with fish sauce according to your preference.
