Spicy and Sweet Pickled Pepper Salad (Sakchin Gochu Muchim)
A Delicious Transformation of 1-Year-Aged Pickled Peppers! Rice-Stealing Sakchin Gochu Muchim
Try making this appetizing spicy and sweet pickled pepper salad using peppers that have been carefully pickled for a year. The salty yet subtly sweet flavor adds a delicious umami that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time! Here’s a recipe for Sakchin Gochu Muchim, a simple side dish that anyone can easily make.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bowl (approx. 200g) of 1-year-aged pickled peppers
- 5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss and added sweetness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pickled peppers that have been preserved in brine for a year. It’s important to remove some of the saltiness from the peppers. Soak the peppers in cold water for 10 minutes, then change the water and repeat this process 3 times to thoroughly remove the salt. This method helps to retain the peppers’ crisp texture while bringing out their delicious spiciness.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the pickled peppers completely using a colander. If there’s remaining water, the seasoning might become diluted. Place the drained peppers into a large bowl.
Step 3
Now it’s time for the delicious seasoning. Sprinkle 5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes, 3 Tbsp of sugar, and 3 Tbsp of corn syrup evenly over the peppers. You can adjust the amounts of seasoning according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes; if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar or corn syrup.
Step 4
Gently mix the seasoning into the peppers with your hands, ensuring it coats them evenly. Be careful not to mash the peppers by mixing too vigorously; it’s important to gently toss them so the seasoning can be well absorbed between the peppers.
Step 5
As you gently mix the well-seasoned pickled peppers, you’ll create a visually appealing and appetizing pepper salad. The spicy aroma combined with the sweet scent is sure to stimulate your appetite.
Step 6
Transfer the finished pickled pepper salad to a nice serving dish. This makes for a perfect side dish that’s hard to resist. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
