Refreshing Korean Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small daikon radish, julienned 1 small daikon radish, julienned
• 4 cups lettuce, thinly sliced 4 cups lettuce, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (gochugaru) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, carrot, radish, and lettuce.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
4. 4.
   Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumber — Remove the seeds before julienning to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
• Carrot — Use a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer for thin and uniform strips.
• Radish — If daikon radish is not available, regular radishes can be used as a substitute.
• Lettuce — Opt for crisp lettuce varieties like romaine or iceberg for the best texture.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before garnishing the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your preference.
• Add a splash of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• To make it a heartier meal, top the salad with grilled chicken or tofu.
• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts to personalize the salad.
• Make sure to slice the vegetables thinly and uniformly for a visually appealing presentation.

Serving advice

Serve Saengchae as a side dish alongside Korean BBQ or as a refreshing topping for bibimbap. It pairs well with steamed rice and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful julienned vegetables in a mound on a serving platter, and drizzle the dressing over the top. Sprinkle sesame seeds as a garnish for an added touch of elegance. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients will make the salad visually appealing and appetizing.