Crispy Bellflower Root and Cucumber Salad (Doraji Oi Muchim)
Crispy Bellflower Root and Cucumber Salad (Doraji Oi Muchim)
How to Make Delicious Bellflower Root and Cucumber Salad: Removing Bitterness for a Perfect Side Dish
This recipe brings back the wonderful taste of bellflower root and cucumber salad you might have enjoyed at restaurants. By expertly removing the natural bitterness of the bellflower root, you can create a truly delicious and refreshing side dish. The combination of crisp cucumber and fragrant green onions with a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy dressing is irresistible. Give it a try! (Tablespoon: standard Korean rice spoon)
Key Ingredients for Bellflower Root and Cucumber Salad- 90g prepared bellflower root
- 1 cucumber (approx. 220g)
- 7g green onions (scallions)
- 0.4 Tbsp minced garlic (about 1/2 tsp)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
The Secret Dressing for a Sweet and Spicy Flavor- 1 Tbsp red pepper powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce (about 2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2-3 pinches of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Solution for Removing Bellflower Root Bitterness- 0.5 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
Cucumber Washing for Freshness- 0.5-1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp red pepper powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce (about 2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2-3 pinches of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Solution for Removing Bellflower Root Bitterness- 0.5 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
Cucumber Washing for Freshness- 0.5-1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 0.5-1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the essential dressing for your delicious bellflower root and cucumber salad. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang (red pepper paste), 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp gochugaru (red pepper powder), and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix well with a spoon. You can also prepare this in a separate small bowl.
Step 2
Place the prepared bellflower root (90g) into a clean bowl. If the bellflower root pieces are quite thick, use the back of a knife to slice them into approximately 3mm thin pieces. This will help the seasoning penetrate evenly and improve the texture.
Step 3
This is the crucial step for removing the bitterness from the bellflower root. Add 0.5 Tbsp coarse sea salt and 1 Tbsp white sugar to the bellflower root. Gently knead the bellflower root with your hands, as if you were washing laundry, applying a bit of pressure. This vigorous kneading effectively removes the bitter taste.
Step 4
After kneading with salt and sugar, rinse the bellflower root thoroughly under running water 3-4 times to wash away excess salt and bitterness. Then, fill a bowl with enough water to submerge the bellflower root and let it soak for about 1 hour. This soaking process will completely eliminate any remaining bitterness and make the bellflower root much more tender.
Step 5
Wash the fresh cucumber by rubbing it with about 0.5-1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. This helps to scrub off any surface impurities and ensures a clean cucumber. After scrubbing, rinse it thoroughly under running water.
Step 6
Trim off both ends of the washed cucumber. Then, slice it lengthwise in half and cut it diagonally into thin slices, about 3mm thick. This slicing method allows the dressing to penetrate well and makes it easy to eat.
Step 7
Finely chop the green onions. Measure out 0.4 Tbsp of minced garlic. The fragrant green onions and pungent garlic will greatly enhance the flavor of the salad.
Step 8
Add the pre-made dressing to a bowl. Then, add the prepared bellflower root, sliced cucumber, chopped green onions, and minced garlic to the same bowl. Everything is now ready to be mixed together into a delicious salad.
Step 9
Take the bellflower root out of the soaking water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands. It’s important to squeeze firmly, as excess water can dilute the seasoning and make the salad taste bland. This is key to a flavorful salad.
Step 10
Add the squeezed bellflower root, sliced cucumber, green onions, and minced garlic to the bowl with the bellflower root and cucumber salad dressing. Now it’s time to mix everything into a delicious salad.
Step 11
Put on disposable gloves and gently toss and mix all the ingredients together. Mix until the bellflower root and cucumber are evenly coated with the vibrant red dressing. If it tastes a bit bland, we’ll add more seasoning.
Step 12
After mixing, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning. If it needs more savory depth, add an additional 0.7 Tbsp of soy sauce. Make sure to mix thoroughly so the seasoning is well distributed.
Step 13
Next, add 2-3 pinches of salt to achieve a clean and balanced overall flavor. Salt is crucial for harmonizing the flavors, so add it gradually while tasting.
Step 14
After adjusting all the seasonings, gently toss the ingredients together again to ensure they are well combined. Taste the salad. If it’s too bland, add a little more salt or soy sauce. If it lacks sweetness, add a tiny bit more sugar to suit your preference. Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is key.
Step 15
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the bellflower root and cucumber salad for a nutty aroma. Your delicious and crispy bellflower root and cucumber salad is now complete! Enjoy your meal.
