Spring has sprung, and with it comes a delightful array of fresh, vibrant produce perfect for invigorating salads. Tired of the same old winter meals? Then prepare to be delighted by the bright flavors and textures of three stunning spring dong salads – a perfect antidote to that lingering spring fatigue. These recipes showcase the season's best ingredients, offering a balance of crisp greens, juicy fruits, and flavorful herbs, all while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Each salad boasts a unique and delicious dressing that complements its distinctive components.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; these salads are designed for quick assembly and maximum flavor impact. We'll guide you through three distinct variations, each with a personality of its own, perfect for everything from a light lunch to a vibrant side dish. Ready to discover the refreshing goodness of spring dong salads? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Spring Dong (Spring Cabbage): 500g
- Dallae (Wild Chives)
- Coarse Red Pepper Powder: 3 tablespoons
- Raw Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Tuna Liquid: 3 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Soybean Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
- Minced Green Onion: 1 tablespoon
- Cucumber: 1
- Perilla Seeds
- Lemon: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spring Dong
- Remove outer leaves of spring dong by cutting the bottom. Trim the inner leaves attached to the core.
- Wash spring dong thoroughly and drain.
- Cut drained spring dong into bite-sized pieces.
- Blanch spring dong in salted boiling water for 3 minutes to soften the stems. Soak in cold water and squeeze to remove moisture.
Step 2. Create the Dressings and Sauces
- Mix red pepper powder, sugar, minced garlic, tuna liquid, vinegar, and sesame oil. Adjust soy sauce/vinegar to taste.
- Mix soybean paste, mayonnaise, minced garlic, minced green onion, and sesame oil. Adjust saltiness to taste. Add ground sesame seeds and mix.
- Mix salt, lemon juice, honey, and olive oil.
Step 3. Assemble the Salads
- Peel off tough skin, scrape off dirt, and wash thoroughly. Trim off damaged root tips and pound the root part.
- Cut dallae into thirds.
- Add seasoning to spring dong and mix. You can also pickle the spring dong for a softer texture.
- Add wild chives and mix.
- Grind sesame seeds and add to the salad. Mix to complete.
- Add blanched spring dong and mix well.
- Cut cucumber in half, remove seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice thinly.
- Combine cucumber and perilla with the dressing, and add to the spring dong.
- Mix everything together, adding pepper to taste.
Read more: Spicy Crunchy Korean Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-sobagi) Recipe
Tips
- Adding dallae to the spring dong salad adds a savory flavor.
- Blanching spring dong makes it softer and easier to digest.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce or vinegar in the seasoning to your preference.
- The soybean paste and mayonnaise dressing creates a soft and rich flavor.
- Eating this salad before a meal can help prevent overeating.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What is a 'dong' salad?
In this context, 'dong' likely refers to a type of spring vegetable or a regional term. The recipes will feature specific spring vegetables which could be substituted with similar produce.
2. Can I make these salads ahead of time?
Yes, most components can be prepped in advance. However, it's best to assemble the salads just before serving to maintain the freshest textures and prevent wilting.
3. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Feel free to substitute! The beauty of salads is their adaptability. Use whatever seasonal produce you have on hand that complements the flavors.
These three spring dong salads offer a refreshing and vibrant way to combat spring fatigue and enjoy the season's bounty. From light and zesty to rich and flavorful, there's a perfect salad to suit every palate. So grab your favorite spring vegetables and get ready to experience the revitalizing power of delicious, healthy eating!