Rich & Nutty Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Muchim) – The Ultimate Recipe
Rich & Nutty Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Muchim) – The Ultimate Recipe
Flavorful Lettuce Salad with Perilla Powder Recipe!
Here’s a recipe for a delicious lettuce salad enhanced with fragrant perilla powder, adding a rich, nutty, and umami flavor. It’s a perfect side dish that’s both simple and incredibly tasty!
Ingredients- 100g fresh lettuce
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.2 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp perilla seed powder (deulkkae garu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash 100g of fresh lettuce under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands or pat it dry with paper towels. Proper drying is key to prevent the dressing from becoming watery and diluted. Tear the washed lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Tearing rather than cutting preserves a better texture. Place the torn lettuce into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Now, let’s start preparing the dressing. Add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic to the lettuce. Garlic adds a pleasant pungent flavor, but be mindful not to use too much, as it can overpower the other ingredients.
Step 3
Next, add 1.5 Tbsp of soy sauce. Soy sauce forms the savory base of the dressing, providing essential umami.
Step 4
Pour in 1 Tbsp of plum extract (or syrup). This adds a touch of sweetness and a slight tang, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste profile.
Step 5
Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Using fresh, fragrant sesame oil will greatly elevate the nutty aroma and flavor of the salad.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for a hint of spiciness and vibrant color. Feel free to add more if you prefer a spicier kick.
Step 7
Sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. For an extra burst of nutty aroma, you can lightly crush the seeds between your palms before adding them.
Step 8
Add 0.2 tsp of sugar to introduce a subtle sweetness. This can be adjusted based on your preference. Too much sugar might mask the fresh, crisp taste of the lettuce.
Step 9
Finally, and most importantly for this recipe, add 2 Tbsp of perilla seed powder (deulkkae garu). This ingredient is what gives the salad its signature rich, nutty, and distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lettuce.
Step 10
With all the ingredients in the bowl, gently toss everything together with your hands. Be careful not to overmix or mash the lettuce; the goal is to evenly coat the leaves with the dressing. Once everything is well combined, your delicious lettuce salad is ready! Serve immediately with a bowl of warm rice for a delightful meal.
