Kimchi-Style Salad (Quick & Easy)

Kimchi-Style Salad (Quick & Easy)

This recipe delivers the essence of kimchi's bold flavors without the traditional fermentation process. It's a refreshing and zesty salad perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: At least 30 minutes (recommended)

Ingredients:

  • Napa Cabbage: 2 cups, finely shredded (about 1/2 small head)
  • Shredded Carrots (Optional)
  • Saltless Gourmet Korean Gochugaru Salt-Free Spice Mix: 1 tablespoon (This will provide the signature chili flavor and color)
  • Rice Vinegar: 2 teaspoons (You can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar is preferred for its mild acidity)
  • Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (Toasted sesame oil is best for its nutty aroma)
  • Granulated Sugar: To taste (Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust)
  • Fine Sea Salt: To taste (Even with the salt-free spice mix, a touch of salt might be needed to balance the flavors)
  • Optional Garnish:
    • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds
    • 2 Scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

Get Started:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Rinse the Napa cabbage thoroughly. Remove the core and finely shred the leaves using a sharp knife.

Salad Dressing:

  1. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Saltless Gourmet Korean Gochugaru Salt-Free Spice Mix over the cabbage.
  2. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
  3. Add sugar and salt to taste. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated with the spice mix, vinegar, and oil.

Taste and Adjust: You might need to add more sugar for sweetness, a touch more salt to enhance the flavors, or even another splash of vinegar for extra tang. Adjust to your preference.

Chill and Serve:

  1. Chill (Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften, creating a more harmonious and delicious salad.
  2. Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions, if desired. Serve chilled as a side dish alongside your favorite Korean-inspired meal, or enjoy it as a light and refreshing salad on its own.

Chef's Notes:

  • Spice Level: The Gochugaru spice mix will provide a moderate level of heat. If you prefer a milder salad, use a little less. For extra heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Cabbage Texture: For a crunchier salad, chill for a shorter time. For a softer, more kimchi-like texture, you can let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight.
  • Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or chopped cucumbers for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make it a Meal: To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, add cooked and cooled rice, grilled tofu, or shredded chicken.
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