Korean-style Ensalada Malagueña

Ingredients

In the Korean adaptation of Ensalada Malagueña, we incorporate traditional Korean ingredients and flavors to give the dish a distinct Korean twist. The addition of kimchi adds a tangy and fermented element, while the dressing is made with Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, giving it a spicy and savory profile. These modifications infuse the salad with the bold and vibrant flavors that are characteristic of Korean cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Ensalada Malagueña, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) kimchi, chopped 2 cups (470ml) kimchi, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang) 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced bell peppers, and sliced red onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kimchi — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can rinse the kimchi before chopping it. However, keep in mind that this will reduce the tanginess and spiciness of the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a sprinkle of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) to the salad.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of Korean chili paste (gochujang) according to your spice preference.
• Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing and crisp texture.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers for added color and flavor variation.
• If you can't find Korean chili paste, you can substitute it with a combination of Sriracha sauce and miso paste.

Serving advice

Korean-style Ensalada Malagueña is best served as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as bulgogi or galbi, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the salad, arrange the colorful vegetables in a circular pattern on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added visual appeal.