Crispy and Spicy-Sweet Cabbage Salad (Geotjeori)
Easy Cabbage Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Side Dish and More!
Introducing a super simple recipe for a refreshing, spicy, and slightly sweet cabbage salad, often referred to as ‘Geotjeori’ in Korean. This dish is perfect as a side for any meal, and its clean taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to richer, heavier foods. Enjoy it as a light salad or use it as a delicious filling for kimbap (seaweed rice rolls). Follow these detailed steps and tips to make it with ease!
Main Ingredients
- Shredded cabbage, 2 handfuls (approx. 200-250g)
- Salt, 0.5 Tbsp (for wilting the cabbage)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh cabbage. Remove the outer leaves and the core, then shred it thinly. Rinse the shredded cabbage lightly in cold water to remove any dirt, and drain thoroughly in a colander. Properly draining the water is key to achieving a crisp texture without making the salad soggy.
Step 2
Place the drained shredded cabbage in a bowl. Sprinkle the salt (0.5 Tbsp) evenly over the cabbage. Gently toss the cabbage with your hands to ensure the salt coats it uniformly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to slightly wilt the cabbage and enhance its crispness. This step helps tenderize the cabbage without making it mushy.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, rinse the salted cabbage lightly under running water to remove excess saltiness. Squeeze out as much water as possible using both hands. If the water isn’t squeezed out thoroughly, the seasoning might not adhere well, and the salad could taste bland.
Step 4
Transfer the squeezed cabbage to a clean bowl. Now it’s time to add the seasoning. First, add the minced garlic (0.5 Tbsp). The pungent garlic flavor will add a savory depth.
Step 5
Next, add the gochugaru (1 Tbsp) for a vibrant red color and a hint of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Step 6
Add the fish sauce (0.5 Tbsp) for added umami. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with anchovy sauce or even a light soy sauce, but the unique flavor of fish sauce pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Step 7
Add the sugar (1 Tbsp) to bring in sweetness. This balances the flavors, cutting through the slight raw taste of the cabbage and enhancing the overall taste profile.
Step 8
Finally, add the vinegar (0.5 Tbsp) for tanginess. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage. Mix carefully so that the seasoning doesn’t clump and is well combined.
Step 9
Once all the seasonings are well incorporated, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle toss, and your delicious cabbage salad is ready!
Step 10
This cabbage salad has a unique and appealing taste that’s neither quite a salad nor a kimchi, offering a refreshing zest. It’s a perfect side dish that stimulates the appetite and cleanses the palate after eating rich foods. Tip: Try using this cabbage salad as a filling for kimbap – it’s a fantastic variation! Refer to recipe @7040723 for kimbap ideas. Enjoy your cooking!
