Slightly sweet, salty and vinegary Korean Lettuce Salad that’s served with Korean BBQ or used as filling in wraps, sandwiches or burgers. Even the kids can’t get enough of this salad!
Over the weekend, I was busy troubleshooting some technical issues of this site and prepping for the 2 Weeks Spring Cleanse starting today. Initiated by Dr John Cassone on G+, it will be 2 Weeks of Fruits and Veggies only. It’s that simple. Eat as much as you want and when you want; smoothies, cooked, or raw. Nothing else allowed. I’m looking forward to increase in energy and feeling better. Look out for my daily meals on G+ and Instagram. The posts for these 2 weeks will coincide with the vegetarian theme.
A while back, we had a celebratory meal at a Korean Barbecue restaurant. If you had a Korean barbecue feast before, you will know not to arrange any after-dinner plans with the smell of grill surrounding every inch of your body. And of course it’s worth it. It was supposed to be a meaty affair but by the end of the meal, we have asked for more than 5 refills of lettuce side dish. We couldn’t stop eating the salad dotted with Korean chili flakes. It’s slightly salty, sweet and vinegary flavours that complements Bulgogi and Galbi perfectly. We were satisfied that it was not just a meaty affair.
The Salad kept cropping up in my thoughts and thanks to the wonderful world of blogging, I found the name and recipe from Gomo of ChowDivine.com (the wonderful Gomo who guestpostted her Bulgogi recipe here). Sangchu Geotjeori (Korean Lettuce Salad) is commonly served with Korean Barbecue at Korean restaurants.
This salad is usually served as a side dish or appetizer, it also goes great with sandwiches, wraps and burgers. I use just green leaf lettuce for this post and serve it as a side dish (banchan) with Japchae. You can also use romaine and red leaf lettuce mix, just as Gomo prefers. Green leaf lettuce wilt easily after it is mixed with the seasoning, so mix the salad just before serving.
I am submitting this post to Asian Food Fest: Korea, hosted by Sharon of Feats of Feasts.
- 1 head Green Leaf lettuce
- 2 Green Onion
- 2 small clove Garlic – minced or grated
- 2 tablespoon light [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FB6BA6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FB6BA6&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Soy Sauce[/url][/u] (or [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046IIXTW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0046IIXTW&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Tamari[/u][/url] for gluten free option)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00348JCL8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00348JCL8&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Rice Vinegar[/url][/u]
- 1 tablespoon [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PNMTEW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005PNMTEW&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Sesame Oil[/u][/url]
- 1 tablespoon [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z93FQC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z93FQC&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Honey[/url][/u] (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005G8IDTQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005G8IDTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Pepper Flakes)[/url][/u]
- 1 tablespoon [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LPKEMU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003LPKEMU&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]White Sesame Seeds[/url][/u]
- Toast sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, swirl it around until they turn light brown. Transfer and lightly crush with [u][url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000163N6G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000163N6G&linkCode=as2&tag=juasde-20″ target=”_blank”]pestle and mortar[/url][/u].
- Combine the ingredients for the dressing: crushed sesame seeds, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey and chili flakes in a small bowl.
- Cut the green onions thinly lengthwise into long shredded pieces. Cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces or ribbons. Add them together in a large bowl. Pour the dressing from step 2 to the greens. Toss lightly until the dressing is distributed evenly. Garnish with toasted whole sesame seeds and chili flakes. Serve immediately. [br][img src=”http://www.justasdelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KoreanLettuceSalad1-4.jpg” width=”250″ height=”188″ class=”alignnone size-full” title=”KoreanLettuceSalad1-4″] [img src=”http://www.justasdelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KoreanLettuceSalad1-5.jpg” width=”250″ height=”188″ class=”alignnone size-full” title=”KoreanLettuceSalad1-5″] [br][img src=”http://www.justasdelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KoreanLettuceSalad1-1.jpg” width=”250″ height=”188″ class=”alignnone size-full” title=”Korean Lettuce Salad” alt=”Korean Lettuce Salad”] [img src=”http://www.justasdelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KoreanLettuceSalad1-2.jpg” width=”250″ height=”188″ class=”alignnone size-full” title=”KoreanLettuceSalad1-2″] [br] [img src=”http://www.justasdelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KoreanLettuceSalad1-3.jpg” width=”250″ height=”188″ class=”alignnone size-full” title=”KoreanLettuceSalad1-3″]
Comments
13 responses to “Korean Lettuce Salad (Sangchu Geotjeori)”
I like your post on food
I like to visit barbecue restaurants in singapore
Thanks for sharing
Thank you! I made this for dinner last night. It was delicious. Exactly the taste I was looking for. It’s just like the dressing they use at the korean restaurants. Since I was serving it to my kids I held the chili flakes a bit. Regardless it made the salad disappear So you know I’m a happy mommy. Looking forward to other recipes.
Oh I’ll be a happy mommy too, if the salad disappear from the table. Thanks for your feedback!
I love korean BBQ! All those sizzling juicy meats…. Nommmm! I do like the side salad too. It helps to lighten up the meal. Thanks for sharing the recipe! I would love to make this salad along with some Bulgogi at home.
This salad gives a balance to the BBQ meats, don’t feel so guilty for chowing down so much meat.. lol. it’s easy to create bulgogi at home, I have a great guest post recipe here
I was lucky enough to be able to visit my husband twice during his one year remote tour at Osan Air Base, South Korea. I immediately became addicted to their amazing spicy cuisine. And this Korean Lettuce Salad is going on tomorrow’s menu with Dweji Bulgogi. Funny how the many condiments send a meal over the top. Thanks so much for sharing!
Tracy, the mention of Dweji Bulgogi gets me salivating! and the lettuce salad will go perfectly with it. I wish to visit South Korea one day, right now I can only drool while watching the Korean food shows.
This recipe looks delicious – I’m a big fan of Cos lettuce which is pretty crisp so will try it with that one and hope it doesn’t wilt too quickly. thanks so much for such a vibrant recipe.
Hi Lorelle, thanks for dropping by my blog. The dressing can be prepared in advance, mix it with the lettuce just before serving.
I LOVE Koren food but sadly I don’t think we have a Korean BBQ restaurant (must investigate further though). This simple salad sounds delicious – that dressing! I can see it with chopped hard-cooked eggs and some toasted cashews for a protein version. Yum!
Kellie, Korean BBQ mostly serve pork and beef unfortunately. Hope you do eat meat occasionally, because you need to try Korean BBQ at least once. Your palate is so amazing, it’s an excellent idea to use the dressing eggs and nuts. It would go great with any simple salad or noodles too.
Shannon, thank you for this recipe! Last Saturday I had lunch at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Section 14. I have been there a few times and my favourite side dish is this lettuce salad. The dressing is so fantastic and I can eat a few plates of it hah..hah…Now I can make this salad at home!
Good to know I’m not the only one crazy about this lettuce salad. Only know the Korean restaurants & shops near my place, packed with them in Sri Hartamas & Mt Kiara, not familiar with other areas but I think Korean BBQ anywhere just rocks 🙂