Korean BBQ Style Fresh Onion Salad (Yangpa Jang)
Korean BBQ’s Secret Weapon: A Crisp & Tangy Onion Salad (Yangpa Jang) – Perfect with Grilled Meats!
When we have grilled meat at home, I often crave a fresh and zesty onion salad (yangpa jang) rather than a heavily fermented pickle. It’s incredibly easy and quick to make, yet remarkably delicious! This bright and refreshing condiment truly complements any grilled dish. Let’s make it!
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (Korean chili pepper)
Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use a spatula or spoon to stir thoroughly until the sugar granules are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pre-mixing the sauce like this makes it much easier to toss with the vegetables later.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Finely mince the Cheongyang pepper. If you enjoy a good kick of spice, leave the seeds in; otherwise, remove the seeds for a milder flavor. Peel the onion and slice it thinly into julienne strips. Avoid cutting them too thick, as this will prevent the dressing from being absorbed evenly. Aim for a moderate thickness for the best texture.
Step 3
Combine the julienned onion and minced Cheongyang pepper in a bowl. Gently mix them together. This initial step helps ensure the dressing will coat everything evenly later on.
Step 4
Pour the prepared seasoning over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats the vegetables evenly. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can make the onions lose their crispness. A gentle toss is key to maintaining that delightful crunch.
Step 5
This onion salad doesn’t require any marinating or long resting periods. It’s best when the soy sauce mixture just lightly coats the vegetables rather than submerging them. This approach preserves the vegetables’ crisp texture and prevents the dressing from becoming too overpowering, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats. It’s delicious served immediately, or chilled in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing bite!
