Savory and Crunchy Young Napa Cabbage Salad with Soybean Paste
Savory and Crunchy Young Napa Cabbage Salad with Soybean Paste
A Delicious Recipe for Blanched Young Napa Cabbage Salad with Doenjang (Soybean Paste)
Enjoy a delightful salad made with young napa cabbage, capturing the freshness of spring! This dish features a wonderfully soft yet crisp texture, complemented by the savory depth of doenjang (Korean soybean paste) and a hint of spiciness from gochugaru (chili flakes). It’s a truly delicious seasoned vegetable dish that gets sweeter as you chew. Just like a fresh kimchi, it’s perfect as a side dish for any meal. While young napa cabbage is in season from November to December, it’s now available year-round thanks to greenhouse cultivation, making it an accessible and affordable treat. It’s packed with moisture, offering a refreshing and crisp bite, and is rich in Vitamin C, calcium, minerals, and fiber, making it incredibly healthy. With only 11kcal per 100g, it’s a light and guilt-free option. Besides being great in soybean paste soup, blanching and seasoning it like this transforms it into a fantastic rice companion.
Ingredients- 300g blanched young napa cabbage
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp doenjang (soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the young napa cabbage. Trim off the roots and remove any wilted or yellowed outer leaves. Wash them thoroughly.
Step 2
Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the boiling water. The salt helps the cabbage retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Gently place the thicker, white stem parts of the cabbage into the boiling water first.
Step 3
Submerge the rest of the young napa cabbage into the water, using a spatula to push it down so it’s fully immersed. Blanch for just 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; the exact time will depend on the cabbage’s condition, the amount you’re blanching, and the heat intensity. Immediately after blanching, drain the cabbage and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
Step 4
Cut the squeezed cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm in length. I cut mine in half again to make them roughly 2.5cm long. Cutting them too small can diminish the crisp texture, so aim for a good size.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients. Add a heaping tablespoon of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic. You can use homemade or store-bought doenjang, and adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 6
Next, add 0.5 tablespoon of tuna extract for an umami boost. If you don’t have tuna extract, soy sauce can be substituted. For a fragrant aroma, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. You can also use perilla oil instead of sesame oil for a different, delicious flavor.
Step 7
Mix the seasoning ingredients well to create a uniform paste. Then, add the cut young napa cabbage to the bowl. Gently mix and massage the ingredients together with your hands, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, which can make the cabbage mushy or develop a raw taste.
Step 8
Your delicious and aromatic young napa cabbage salad with doenjang is ready! Transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra toasted sesame seeds for a final touch.
Step 9
Tip: It’s best to season the namul slightly more than you think you need initially. When refrigerated, the flavors tend to mellow out. Seasoning it a bit stronger at first will ensure it tastes just right after it has had time to rest.
Step 10
This simple yet incredibly flavorful cabbage namul is addictive! When you have this prepared, it makes you crave a bowl of rice. It’s also a fantastic base for bibimbap.
Step 11
Wondering what to make for your next meal? Consider making a comforting soybean paste soup with young napa cabbage, or try this delightful seasoned vegetable dish. It’s sure to add variety and flavor to your table. Enjoy your cooking!
