Crispy & Refreshing Cabbage Salad (Yangbaechu Muchim)
Crispy & Refreshing Cabbage Salad (Yangbaechu Muchim)
A light and flavorful seasoned cabbage dish, perfect as a side or salad.
Whole cabbages from the market are often much more economical and larger than the pre-cut ones from supermarkets, making them a great value. However, if you keep a fresh whole cabbage in the refrigerator for too long, it tends to wilt, and half of it might go to waste. That’s why I like to shred a whole cabbage thinly using a mandoline slicer, wash it, remove as much water as possible with a salad spinner, and store it in a zip-top bag in the fridge. This way, I can simply take a handful of shredded cabbage, place it on a plate, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy a quick and delicious dish anytime. Cabbage is incredibly versatile – it’s a fantastic base for salads, can be used in simple seasoned dishes (muchim), or even stir-fries. Try this recipe to enjoy cabbage in a refreshing new way!
Dressing Ingredients- Soy sauce: 3 Tbsp
- Vinegar: 3 Tbsp
- Plum extract (Maesilcheong): 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup): 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds (or crushed): 1 Tbsp
- Shredded cabbage: 3 handfuls (approx. 300g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh cabbage thoroughly. Then, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, shred the cabbage as thinly and evenly as possible. The thinner the shreds, the better the dressing will coat the cabbage, and the crunchier the texture will be.
Step 2
Rinse the shredded cabbage gently under cold running water to remove any excess starch. Drain it well in a colander. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. You can use a salad spinner or gently pat the cabbage dry with paper towels to ensure it’s not watery.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce (3 Tbsp), vinegar (3 Tbsp), sweet plum extract (1 Tbsp), oligosaccharide for a smooth sweetness (1/2 Tbsp), fragrant sesame oil (1 Tbsp), and toasted sesame seeds for aroma (1 Tbsp). Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to create the delicious dressing for your cabbage salad.
Step 4
Add the prepared shredded cabbage (3 handfuls) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the cabbage with your hands to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid over-mixing or squeezing vigorously, as this can make the cabbage release too much water or lose its crispness. Your refreshing cabbage salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
