Korean-inspired Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is known for its creamy dressing and croutons, this Korean adaptation incorporates kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented cabbage, to add a spicy kick and depth of flavor. The dressing is also modified to include Korean ingredients like gochujang, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, giving it a distinct Korean twist. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) chopped romaine lettuce 2 cups (470ml) chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup (235ml) kimchi, drained and chopped 1 cup (235ml) kimchi, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) gochujang Caesar dressing 1/2 cup (120ml) gochujang Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) soy sauce 1 teaspoon (5ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (60g) croutons 1/2 cup (60g) croutons
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce and chopped kimchi.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the gochujang Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the lettuce and kimchi mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Add the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese to the salad and toss gently.
5. 5.
   Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kimchi — Make sure to drain the kimchi well before chopping to remove excess liquid and adjust the spiciness level according to your preference.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your desired level of spiciness. Add more for a bolder flavor or reduce for a milder taste.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, toast the croutons in a pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, increase the amount of mayonnaise in the dressing mixture.
• Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Experiment with different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or kale, for a variation in texture and flavor.
• If you can't find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of Sriracha and miso paste for a similar spicy and savory taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Kimchi Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to complement Korean-inspired main courses. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the salad in a large, shallow bowl or on individual plates. Arrange the lettuce and kimchi mixture in the center and sprinkle the croutons and Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the presentation fresh and vibrant.