Refreshing Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Muchim)
Quick & Easy Lettuce Salad Recipe Using Leftover Lettuce, Inspired by Sung Si-kyung
Don’t let leftover lettuce go to waste! This recipe shows you how to make a fresh and delicious seasoned lettuce salad (Sangchu Muchim or Sangchu Geotjeori), perfect for using up greens from delivery meals.
Fresh Vegetables for Lettuce Salad
- Lettuce 200g (about 2 large handfuls)
- 1 Scallion (white part primarily)
- 1/2 Onion (medium-sized)
Flavorful Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the scallion for a fragrant aroma. Sung Si-kyung uses a whole scallion, but you can adjust this to your preference. Wash the scallion thoroughly, slice it in half lengthwise, and then thinly chop it crosswise. Place the chopped scallion into a bowl.
Step 2
Thinly julienne half of a medium-sized onion. Slicing it thinly will help it absorb the dressing evenly, making it more delicious.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/3 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds (we’ll add more later!). Mix everything well.
Step 4
Add the julienned onion and chopped scallion to the prepared dressing and gently mix. Let it sit for a moment to allow the vegetables to soak up the flavors. This step helps to meld the sweetness of the vegetables with the seasoning for a richer taste.
Step 5
Let’s carefully wash the star ingredient, the lettuce. Rinse the lettuce leaves gently under running water, inspecting each one. If you’re using lettuce that came with delivery food, even if it’s a day old, soaking it briefly in water mixed with a little vinegar before rinsing will refresh it.
Step 6
Gently pat the washed lettuce dry or shake off excess water. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces with your hands or chop it coarsely. Add the lettuce to the bowl with the onion, scallion, and dressing. Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats the lettuce evenly. Be careful not to mash the lettuce by rubbing too hard; gentle mixing is key.
Step 7
Voilà! Your fresh and delicious seasoned lettuce salad is ready. Sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavor and an appetizing look. Serve it immediately and enjoy!
