Spicy Pickled Chili Salad (Gochu Jangajji Muchim)
Baek Jong-won’s Style Pickled Chili Salad
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re turning homemade pickled chilies into a delicious side dish, just like in the popular Korean cooking show ‘Home Food Rescue’ (Jiphap Baek Seonsaeng). Pickled chilies (Gochu Jangajji) make excellent banchan (side dishes) that are perfect for any meal. My neighbor kindly shared some of her homemade pickled chilies, and I’m excited to transform them into a vibrant and flavorful salad. This recipe brings out the crisp texture and savory notes of the chilies with a simple yet irresistible seasoning. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- Well-fermented pickled chilies 250g
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, drain the pickling liquid from the pickled chilies and set the chilies aside. If the stems of the chilies are long, trim them slightly with scissors for a neater appearance and easier eating.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful dressing. In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp of fine gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of corn syrup. Mix them well. Finally, add about half a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 3
Tip: It’s crucial to use ‘fine’ gochugaru for this dish. Fine powder ensures the seasoning coats the chilies evenly, creating a taste as if they were marinated in gochujang (red chili paste) itself. If you only have coarse gochugaru, you can grind it into a finer powder using a blender or spice grinder.
Step 4
Add the drained pickled chilies to the prepared dressing. Gently toss and mix them with your hands until the chilies are well coated with the seasoning. The key is to mix gently to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little sesame oil right before serving. Your delicious and crisp pickled chili salad is ready!
