Zestify Your Palate: Aromatic Zest Salad Recipe
Zestify Your Palate: Aromatic Zest Salad Recipe
Unique Dish: Refreshing and Fragrant Zest Salad
Introducing a special Gyeongsangdo delicacy: Zest Salad! Zest is famously used in ‘Chueo-tang’ (mudfish stew) to eliminate fishiness, but its spicy and tingling aroma also makes it popular in Japan. Discover the unique charm of zest, distinct from sansho pepper, by making this delicious salad that awakens your appetite. The combination of zest’s refreshing tang and mild spiciness makes it a perfect side dish or a delightful snack. **[Perfect Zest Preparation Guide]**
1. Wash the fresh zest thoroughly under running water.
2. Drain the washed zest well to remove excess moisture.
3. Carefully remove any tough thorns from the zest. (See video at 00:07)
**[Making Aromatic Zest Salad]** (See video at 01:34)
Main Ingredients- 60g fresh zest
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the zest by washing it thoroughly for use in the dish.
Step 2
Carefully examine the surface of the zest and gently remove all tough and coarse thorns. This step ensures a tender texture for your zest salad.
Step 3
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt (not included in ingredients) and quickly blanch the prepared zest for about 30 seconds. This brief blanching reduces any bitterness while preserving its fragrant aroma.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched zest from the boiling water and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down. After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water by hand, or drain it well in a colander. Ensuring the zest is well-drained will help the seasoning adhere properly without becoming watery.
Step 5
Transfer the well-drained zest to a large bowl. It’s now time to add the delicious seasonings and mix.
Step 6
Add 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru) to the zest in the bowl. Gently toss everything together with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed. The fragrant zest combined with the spicy and slightly sweet seasoning creates a delightful zest salad. You can enjoy it immediately, or let it sit for a while for the flavors to meld even further, making it even more delicious.
