How to Enjoy Celery: Crisp & Delicious with Ssamjang-Mayo Dip
Complete Guide to Eating Celery: From Preparation to a Tasty Ssamjang-Mayo Sauce Recipe
Discover a delightful way to savor fresh and crunchy celery! The refreshing, slightly pungent flavor of celery pairs perfectly with a creamy, savory, and mildly spicy ssamjang-mayo sauce. Experience a symphony of crisp textures and rich flavors. This guide covers everything from preparing celery to making a simple, delicious dipping sauce that anyone can master.
Celery Preparation
- Fresh celery stalks
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for washing)
Creamy Ssamjang-Mayo Sauce
- 2 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- 2 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming off the tough base of the celery stalks. Remove any wilted or yellowed leaves. Rinse the celery lightly under running water to wash away any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Separate the leafy tops from the stalks. You can neatly cut them apart with a knife. This makes further preparation easier.
Step 3
Fill a bowl with enough water to submerge the celery. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water and let the celery soak for about 5 minutes. This helps to thoroughly clean the stalks. Afterward, rinse the celery thoroughly under fresh running water to remove any lingering vinegar scent.
Step 4
After washing, drain the celery well in a colander. The crisp stalks are perfect for dipping into the sauce. The leaves can be enjoyed as is, used as fresh lettuce wraps, or incorporated into a refreshing side salad (muchim).
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious ssamjang-mayo sauce that complements the celery so well. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ssamjang, 1.5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir gently with a spoon until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth. For an extra crunch, you can add some chopped peanuts.
Step 6
Dip the prepared celery stalks into the ssamjang-mayo sauce and enjoy the wonderful combination of crisp celery and the savory, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce!
