Spicy Lettuce Salad: A Refreshing Korean Side Dish You Didn't Know You Needed!

Imagine transforming a humble bunch of lettuce into a bold, spicy side dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm rice. Say hello to Spicy Lettuce Salad, a simple yet flavorful Korean banchan (side dish) that’s ready in minutes. Made with crisp lettuce and a spicy-savory dressing of gochujang, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors. It’s a perfect way to elevate everyday greens while adding a touch of Korean flair to your meal.

Lettuce may not always be the first vegetable that comes to mind for a cooked dish, but it shines in this spicy Korean salad. Traditionally, blanching lettuce is an excellent technique, especially when it's nearing the end of the season and the leaves become tougher. A quick dip in boiling water softens the texture and enhances its ability to soak up the flavorful dressing. Not only does this dish provide a unique way to enjoy lettuce, but it also offers health benefits, being rich in vitamins A and K. Plus, its spicy and umami-packed dressing is sure to awaken your taste buds! Serve it as a side dish with rice or grilled meats, and you'll see how a simple salad can steal the show.






Recipe Details:

Serving Size: 4 servings


Ingredients:

  • 500g lettuce (approx. 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ tbsp sesame seeds


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Lettuce:
    • Wash the lettuce thoroughly and trim any tough or browned edges.
  2. Blanch the Lettuce:
    • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lettuce and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just enough to soften the leaves without overcooking.
    • Immediately transfer the lettuce to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Squeeze Excess Water:
    • Once the lettuce is cool, gently squeeze out the excess water without crushing the leaves.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix until smooth.
  5. Mix the Salad:
    • Add the blanched lettuce to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
  6. Serve:
    • Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice or as a side dish.

Tips for the Dish:

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • Use spinach or bok choy if lettuce isn’t available.
    • Replace gochujang with chili garlic sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead:
    • You can blanch and store the lettuce in the fridge for up to a day before mixing it with the sauce.
  • Seasonal Tip:
    • This recipe is ideal for lettuce that’s grown tougher at the end of the growing season. Blanching softens the leaves and enhances the flavor.
  • Adjust Spice Levels:
    • Add less gochujang or balance with more sugar if you prefer a milder taste.

Wrap-Up:

Spicy Lettuce Salad is proof that even the simplest ingredients can create unforgettable dishes. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or just looking for a creative way to enjoy your greens, this recipe is a must-try. Don't forget to share your version in the comments—I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this dish!


Keywords(키워드):
Spicy lettuce salad recipe, Korean banchan recipes, blanching lettuce, gochujang salad, lettuce side dish, Korean lettuce dish, 상추무침, Korean spicy salad, easy Korean recipes, Korean side dishes.



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