Spicy & Sweet Napa Cabbage Salad (Geotjeori) – Seasonal Delight!
Spicy & Sweet Napa Cabbage Salad (Geotjeori) – Seasonal Delight!
A Refreshing Napa Cabbage Salad Made with Seasonal Vegetables
Fresh seasonal cabbage is here! Shall we make a spicy and sweet geotjeori? This vibrant salad is bursting with flavor and perfect as a side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 head of young Napa cabbage (Albaegi)
Spicy & Sweet Dressing- 1 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Separate the young Napa cabbage leaves one by one. Trim the base slightly, then cut each leaf in half lengthwise. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 inches wide. Ensuring uniform size will help the dressing coat evenly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, place the cut cabbage and pour a saltwater solution over it (about 2 tablespoons of salt dissolved in 1 liter of water). Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until the white parts of the leaves are flexible but not mushy. This process wilts the cabbage slightly, making it tender and ready to absorb the flavors.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: gochugaru, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced salted shrimp, and plum extract. Whisk everything together until a smooth, well-blended paste forms. This flavorful dressing is the heart of the geotjeori.
Step 4
Rinse the lightly wilted cabbage 2-3 times under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain thoroughly in a colander, gently squeezing out any remaining water with your hands. Excess water can dilute the dressing, so ensure the cabbage is as dry as possible. Add the prepared dressing to the drained cabbage.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the cabbage with the dressing until every piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix or mash the cabbage; a light hand will keep it crisp and fresh.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds to your liking for added nuttiness. This delicious geotjeori is best enjoyed fresh, but can also be chilled for about 15-30 minutes for the flavors to meld further. Serve with warm rice for a delightful meal!
