Seasoned Amaranth Greens with Gochujang Sauce
Seasoned Amaranth Greens with Gochujang Sauce
Boost Your Appetite with Spicy-Sweet Amaranth Greens Seasoned with Gochujang
Revitalize your spring appetite with this vibrant Amaranth Greens salad, seasoned with a delicious gochujang (Korean chili paste) dressing. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for those days when you need a little culinary pick-me-up.
Main Ingredients- Amaranth greens, about 1 bunch (approx. 200-250g)
- Coarse salt, 200g (for blanching)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh amaranth greens. Start by removing any tough stems or wilted leaves. Gently rinse the greens several times under cool running water, swishing them lightly to wash away any dirt or debris. Be careful not to handle them too roughly, as this can impart a raw, grassy flavor.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the coarse salt and stir until dissolved. Blanching the greens in salted water helps to maintain their vibrant color and reduces any slight bitterness. Add the prepared amaranth greens to the boiling salted water and blanch for a very short time, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Overcooking will make them mushy, so watch them closely.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, transfer the amaranth greens to a bowl of cold water and rinse them thoroughly to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step is crucial for preserving their crisp texture. Gently gather the cooled greens with your hands and squeeze out excess water. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can release the greens’ natural flavor; a firm but gentle squeeze is best. Place the squeezed greens in a mixing bowl. Add the gochujang, soup soy sauce (or fish sauce), minced garlic, plum extract, and ground perilla seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a fragrant and visually appealing finish. Your delicious seasoned amaranth greens are now ready to enjoy!
