Blanched Garlic Chives with Sesame Dressing – Simple Korean Side Dish in Minutes

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This blanched garlic chive dish is a light, fragrant Korean-style side that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavour. Quickly blanched garlic chives are tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chilli, and sesame seeds to create a fresh, savoury banchan that pairs beautifully with rice and grilled dishes. Clean, vibrant, and aromatic, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of garlic chives while keeping their crisp bite intact.

Garlic chive dishes are commonly found on Korean home tables, especially as a quick banchan served alongside rice and soups. The key to this dish lies in the ultra-short blanching time, which softens the chives just enough while preserving their bright colour and gentle garlicky aroma. The flavour is clean yet layered—mild onion notes from the chives, nuttiness from sesame oil, savoury depth from soy sauce, and a subtle heat from fresh chilli. Garlic chives are rich in vitamins A and C and contain antioxidants that support overall health. When shopping, look for firm, deep-green chives with no yellowing. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Garlic chives → Provide a mild garlicky flavour and tender yet crisp texture after blanching.
• Soy sauce → Adds umami and balances the natural sweetness of the chives.
• Sesame oil → Brings warmth and a nutty aroma that defines many Korean side dishes.
• Minced garlic → Enhances depth and reinforces the chive’s natural flavour.
• Red chilli → Adds freshness and gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
• Sesame seeds → Contribute crunch and extra nuttiness. 


Blanched Garlic Chives with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes |Cook Time: 1 minute |Total Time: 11 minutes |Cuisine Type: Korean |Calories (Estimate): ~90 kcal per serving |Serving Size: Serves 3–4 as a side dish

๐Ÿ“ Ingredients

  • 300 g garlic chives (10.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Water, for blanching

Seasoning

  • 1 red chilli, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1½ Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿณ Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the blanching water

  • Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil at 100°C / 212°F.
  • Add salt to the boiling water.

2️⃣ Blanch the garlic chives

  • Add garlic chives to the boiling water.
  • Blanch for 20 seconds only to keep them bright and crisp.

3️⃣ Cool immediately

  • Transfer the chives straight into cold water to stop the cooking process. 

  • Drain well and squeeze out excess water gently.

4️⃣ Cut the chives

  • Chop the chives into bite-size pieces. 

5️⃣ Make the seasoning

  • In a bowl, combine red chilli, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. 

6️⃣ Mix and serve

  • Add the blanched chives to the seasoning.
  • Toss gently until evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving. 

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Less heat: Omit the chilli or replace with capsicum (bell pepper).
  • Gluten-free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Extra flavour: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of rice vinegar.
  • Time-saving: Blanch chives in advance and season just before serving.
  • Presentation: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of garlic chives?
Regular chives, spring onions (scallions), or Asian chives work well.

Can I skip blanching?
Blanching is recommended to soften the chives and remove harsh raw flavour.

Wrap-Up 

This blanched garlic chive dish is proof that quick techniques and simple seasoning can create something truly satisfying. It’s fresh, aromatic, and perfect as a side for almost any meal.

Let me know in the comments how you enjoy garlic chives—spicy, mild, or extra garlicky?
If you liked this recipe, check out my Korean Lettuce Salad on the blog for another easy Korean dish.

Keywords (ํ‚ค์›Œ๋“œ)

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