Savory and Aromatic Sea Fennel Salad (Gaetbangpum Namul Muchim)
Savory and Aromatic Sea Fennel Salad (Gaetbangpum Namul Muchim)
Sea Fennel Salad: A Taste of the Sea, Bursting with Fragrance!
Sea fennel, known for its ability to ward off colds, particularly the ‘Gaetbangpum’ variety grown in sandy coastal areas, boasts a rich aroma and a pleasantly bitter taste. Enjoy this flavorful salad made with fresh, seasonal sea fennel.
Ingredients- Sea fennel (Gaetbangpum) 300-400g
- Scallions a little (white part only)
- Salt 1 tsp (for blanching)
Seasoning- Salt 1 tsp (fine salt)
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Fish sauce (or tuna extract) 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1.5 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1-2 Tbsp (ground)
- Salt 1 tsp (fine salt)
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Fish sauce (or tuna extract) 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1.5 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1-2 Tbsp (ground)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the sea fennel by trimming off any wilted or yellow leaves and tough stems. Ensure the sea fennel looks fresh and clean.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Carefully add the prepared sea fennel and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it can make the texture mushy.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched sea fennel to cold water. Rinse it under running water 2-3 times, vigorously shaking it with your hands. This step is crucial to remove any small sand grains or dirt. Thorough rinsing is key.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out excess water from the washed sea fennel, without pressing too hard. Place it in a mixing bowl. Finely chop the white part of the scallions and add them. Then, add all the prepared seasoning ingredients (salt, minced garlic, fish sauce, sesame oil). For an extra nutty flavor, use freshly ground toasted sesame seeds.
Step 5
Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands, applying gentle pressure to combine the ingredients and seasonings well. *Adjust the saltiness gradually. Instead of adding all the salt at once, taste as you go and add more salt little by little until you achieve the desired flavor.
Step 6
While its slightly bitter taste might be an acquired preference for some, this healthy sea fennel salad is now ready! Enjoy the unique and refreshing flavor of fresh sea fennel.
