Craving a vibrant and refreshing salad that's both healthy and surprisingly flavorful? Look no further than our Cucumber & Doraji Salad! This light and zesty dish showcases the crisp coolness of cucumber perfectly complemented by the unique, slightly bitter (but not overly so!) notes of doraji, or bellflower root. Doraji, a Korean staple, adds a delightful textural contrast and a subtle earthiness that elevates this simple salad beyond the ordinary. It's the perfect side dish for a barbecue, a light lunch, or a healthy addition to any meal. The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
This Cucumber & Doraji Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep work – this refreshing salad is ready in minutes! Ready to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- bowl
- cotton cloth
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 2
- Radish
- Doraji (Bellflower root): 250g
- Green onions
- Mozzarella cheese
- Plain or Greek yogurt: 2 tablespoons
- Minced garlic: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon + coarse salt
- Vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon
- Aloe vera gel: 1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons
- Avocado or olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Coarse red pepper powder: 2 tablespoons + fine amount
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Plum extract: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly under running water, scrubbing with a soft cloth to remove any impurities. Sprinkle with coarse salt, rub gently, and rinse again.
- Cut off the ends of the cucumbers, split them lengthwise, and remove the seeds.
- Cut cucumbers into thin (approx. 5mm) slices.
- Mix with 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon coarse salt for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove excess moisture from the marinated cucumbers using a cotton cloth.
Step 2. Prepare the Doraji (removing bitterness)
- If necessary, separate thicker parts. Sprinkle with coarse salt and knead gently for about a minute. Let it sit to reduce bitterness.
- Lightly rinse the doraji in cold water.
- Coat the doraji with 2 tablespoons of vinegar for about 5 minutes to further reduce bitterness.
Step 3. Make the Dressing and Combine Ingredients
- Mix gochujang, coarse red pepper powder, minced garlic, soy sauce, aloe vera gel, and plum extract.
- Add a generous amount of fine red pepper powder to the vinegar-soaked doraji and mix.
- Add the prepared cucumbers to the doraji, followed by the seasoning. Mix well.
Step 4. Optional: Make a Cucumber Salad Dressing (as an alternative)
- Mix mozzarella, yogurt, minced garlic, salt, vinegar, aloe vera gel, and avocado/olive oil. Add the sliced cucumbers and mix well.
Read more: Crispy Spicy Honey Garlic Korean Chicken Recipe
Tips
- Soaking cucumbers in water for 5 minutes helps remove residual pesticides.
- Removing the seeds from cucumbers reduces water content and creates a crispier texture.
- Marinating doraji with vinegar helps reduce bitterness and firm the texture.
- Using vinegar to reduce doraji bitterness is recommended over soaking in water as it minimizes nutrient loss.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute doraji if I can't find it?
Yes! Try using shredded daikon radish or even finely julienned carrots for a similar crunch and mild flavor. The taste will be different, but still delicious.
2. How do I make sure the doraji isn't bitter?
Soaking the doraji in salted water for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps draw out any bitterness. Blanching it briefly also helps.
3. What can I serve this stir-fry with?
It's great as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or tofu. It also pairs well with rice or noodles.
This Cucumber & Radish Stir-fry with Bitter-Free Doraji is the perfect embodiment of a light and refreshing summer meal. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish!