Zesty Lettuce & Garlic Chive Salad – A Refreshing Korean Delight Packed with Flavor!

Craving a quick and vibrant salad that bursts with Korean flavors? This Lettuce and Garlic Chive Salad combines fresh, crispy lettuce, aromatic garlic chives, and a tangy, spicy dressing that hits all the right notes. It's perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a stand-alone side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad will bring authentic Korean vibes to your table in just minutes.

Did you know that garlic chives, known as "buchu" (부추) in Korea, are prized for their bold flavor and nutritional benefits? They're packed with vitamins A and C, making them a healthy addition to any meal. This salad is a staple in Korean home cooking, cherished for its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. The mix of sweet and tangy rice syrup, nutty sesame oil, and a touch of gochugaru creates a perfectly balanced dressing that clings to the crisp lettuce and chives. Pro tip: Pair this salad with grilled galbi or samgyeopsal for a true Korean BBQ experience!








Recipe Details: Zesty Lettuce & Garlic Chive Salad

Serving Size

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

  • Vegetables:
    • 400g (14 oz) lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
    • 90g (3 oz) garlic chives (buchu), sliced into 2-inch pieces
    • ½ small onion (about 50g / 1.8 oz), thinly sliced
  • Dressing:
    • 2 tbsp Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp water
    • 4 tbsp vinegar (white vinegar or rice vinegar)
    • 1 tbsp minced garlic
    • 1 tbsp rice syrup (or substitute with honey or corn syrup)
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Wash the lettuce, garlic chives, and onion thoroughly.
    • Chop the lettuce and garlic chives into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion. Set aside.
  2. Make the Dressing:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine gochugaru, soy sauce, water, vinegar, minced garlic, rice syrup, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • Place the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
    • Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. Serve:
    • Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top as garnish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for the Dish

  1. Ingredient Substitutions:
    • If garlic chives are unavailable, use green onions or leeks for a similar flavor.
    • Replace rice syrup with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
  2. Dietary Adjustments:
    • For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
    • To make it vegan, ensure the sweetener (e.g., rice syrup) is plant-based.
  3. Make-Ahead Tip:
    • Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss it with the vegetables just before serving.
  4. Pairing Ideas:
    • Serve alongside Korean BBQ or as a refreshing side dish for fried dishes like Korean fried chicken.

Wrap-Up

This Lettuce and Garlic Chive Salad is the epitome of simple yet bold Korean home cooking. Its fresh, zesty flavors will elevate your meal, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner. I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own—share your twists in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @CookWithJuyea when you try this recipe!


Keywords: Korean salad recipe, spicy Korean salad, lettuce and garlic chive salad, Korean side dish
키워드: 상추 부추 무침,상추 부추 샐러드, 매콤한 샐러드, 한국 반찬 레시피




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