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:
- Prepare
the Lettuce:
- Wash
the lettuce thoroughly and trim any tough or browned edges.
- 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.
- Squeeze
Excess Water:
- Once
the lettuce is cool, gently squeeze out the excess water without crushing
the leaves.
- Make
the Sauce:
- In
a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, sesame
oil, and sesame seeds. Mix until smooth.
- Mix
the Salad:
- Add
the blanched lettuce to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the
leaves evenly.
- 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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