Flavorful and Aromatic Stir-Fried Korean Chili Leaves
Flavorful and Aromatic Stir-Fried Korean Chili Leaves
How to Make Delicious Korean Chili Leaf Salad (Gochutnip Namul Muchim)
Craft a delightful Korean Chili Leaf Salad using the last harvest of the season’s chili leaves. This dish boasts a fresh, vibrant aroma and a satisfyingly crisp texture, packed with nutrients and loved by all ages. Its simple yet profound flavor profile makes it a highly recommended homemade dish.
Main Ingredients- 320g Korean Chili Leaves (after trimming and washing)
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for blanching)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (for color and subtle spice)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Scallion (white parts only)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and umami)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground)
- 1/2 Tbsp Whole Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Scallion (white parts only)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and umami)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground)
- 1/2 Tbsp Whole Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the Korean chili leaves. For leaves harvested late in the season, carefully remove any tough stem parts and any yellow or damaged leaves. Don’t discard the tender new shoots or small buds; they add a wonderful depth of flavor when mixed in.
Step 2
Rinse the trimmed chili leaves thoroughly under running water. This ensures a clean and delicious final dish.
Step 3
Bring about 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Adding salt helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the chili leaves and reduces their natural bitterness.
Step 4
Once the water is rapidly boiling, add the prepared chili leaves and blanch them for just about 1-2 minutes. The exact time depends on the freshness and tenderness of the leaves; test by gently touching a stem – it should be tender. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become mushy and lose their pleasant texture.
Step 5
Immediately drain the blanched chili leaves and rinse them under cold water 2-3 times to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Gently squeeze out excess water by hand, then fluff the leaves to separate them so they don’t clump together. This preparation ensures the seasoning will adhere evenly.
Step 6
To prepare the seasoning, finely chop about 2 tablespoons of the white parts of a scallion. The white parts contribute a subtle sweetness and a pleasant aroma.
Step 7
For a visually appealing dish and a hint of spice, remove the seeds from 1 red chili pepper and mince it finely. The red chili adds both color and a mild kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped scallion, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of ground toasted sesame seeds. Mix these ingredients well. Making the seasoning blend beforehand allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 9
Add the squeezed chili leaves and the minced red chili to the prepared seasoning. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats every leaf evenly. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a ‘raw’ taste; a gentle motion is key.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of whole toasted sesame seeds over the dish. This adds a lovely nutty finish and enhances the presentation. The whole seeds provide a delightful textural contrast with each bite.
Step 11
And there you have it – a wonderfully fragrant and delicious Korean Chili Leaf Salad! It’s perfect as a side dish with rice or can be used as a fresh component in other dishes. Enjoy this versatile and healthy treat!
