Crispy and Refreshing Winter Greens Salad (Gyeotjeori)
How to Make a Crispy and Delicious Winter Greens Salad (Bok-dong style)
Today, we’re making a fresh winter greens salad (Gyeotjeori) using greens gifted by a neighbor! Similar to bok-dong salad, you can enjoy it seasoned with a sweet and tangy dressing without pre-salting, or if you have a large quantity, lightly salting it to make a more traditional gyeotjeori kimchi. This crispy and refreshing side dish is perfect for winter. It’s incredibly delicious served over warm rice or mixed into a bowl with rice for a delightful meal. Enjoy this special winter side dish that will awaken your appetite!
Main Ingredients
- Winter greens (Bok-dong) 700g
- 1/4 Onion
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions
Brining Solution
- 2 cups Water
- 3 Tbsp Salt
Rice Flour Paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Tbsp Glutinous rice flour
Seasoning Mix
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented shrimp)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 0.7 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Tuna extract sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 3 Tbsp Salt
Rice Flour Paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Tbsp Glutinous rice flour
Seasoning Mix
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented shrimp)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 0.7 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Tuna extract sauce
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented shrimp)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 0.7 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Tuna extract sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We received some fresh winter greens, also known as young bok-dong, from a neighbor! Gently detach the leaves or trim the base with a knife. Wash them thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any dirt or debris. Let them drain well in a colander. Thoroughly washing is the key to a crispy texture.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of salt. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved. Using coarse salt will help the greens salt faster.
Step 3
Pour the prepared salt water evenly over the washed and drained winter greens. Salting this way will soften the greens in about 2 hours. If you prefer to mix them immediately, you can skip this step, but salting beforehand adds a deeper flavor, especially for larger quantities.
Step 4
In a separate pot, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of glutinous rice flour, whisking to ensure no lumps form. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, to make a rice paste. Once it comes to a boil, simmer for another minute, then turn off the heat and let it cool completely. The rice paste helps the seasoning cling to the greens and adds a smoother texture.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, fish sauce, saeujeot, minced garlic, sugar, and tuna extract sauce. Add the cooled rice paste and mix well. Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the scallions. Pre-mixing the seasoning allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6
After salting for 2 hours, rinse the winter greens lightly under running water to remove excess salt and gently squeeze out the excess water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the greens mushy. Add the prepared seasoning mix, sliced onion, and chopped scallions to the drained greens and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more tuna extract sauce if necessary. (The original recipe included 1 Tbsp tuna extract, but tasting and adjusting is recommended.)
Step 7
The perfectly mixed winter greens gyeotjeori fits nicely into a medium-sized container. For immediate consumption, adding a little sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds and mixing again will enhance the aroma.
Step 8
And there you have it – a crispy and fresh winter greens gyeotjeori! Enjoying this seasonal winter green, seasoned without salting like bok-dong, results in a wonderfully tangy and sweet side dish that stimulates the appetite. This gyeotjeori-style winter green is also delicious mixed with rice or further seasoned with sesame oil and seeds for a fantastic meal.
Step 9
These winter greens, with their tender and savory leaves similar to bok-dong, are also delicious when used as lettuce wraps. Enjoy both the health benefits and the great taste of fresh greens!
