Hey there! Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite salads—Korean Spicy Scallion Salad. This dish is super tasty and really easy to make. Scallions, also known as green onions, are the main star here. They’re crunchy, fresh, and have a nice mild onion flavor.
What makes this salad special is the spicy dressing. It’s made with Korean red pepper flakes, which add a nice kick. You mix them with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar. The result is a perfect balance of spicy, salty, and a little sweet.
This salad is great as a side dish or even on its own. It’s light but full of flavor, and it’s a great way to enjoy veggies. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to put together. If you like things a bit spicy and fresh, you’ll love this Korean Spicy Scallion Salad. Give it a try and enjoy the amazing taste!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Korean Spicy Scallion Salad
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the scallions thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess water from diluting the dressing.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the scallions. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or acidity by adding more sugar, soy sauce, or vinegar to suit your preference.
- Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of gochugaru or substitute it with a milder chili powder.
- Add Crunch: For added texture, mix in thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, or carrots.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the crispness of the scallions.
- Marinating Time: If you have time, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Alternative Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar or sweeteners to create a unique flavor profile.
Korean Spicy Scallion Salad
4
servings5
minutes0
minutes80
kcal5
minutesDive into the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine with this Spicy Scallion Salad! Perfectly paired with Korean BBQ, this quick and easy side dish will elevate your meal to a whole new level. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, tangy, and spicy salad that will leave your taste buds dancing. Inspired by the bold flavors of Korea, this salad is a must-try for any food enthusiast!
Ingredients
- Scallions
6.7 ounces scallions finely sliced
- Dressing
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon unrefined sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru)
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- Alternative Ingredients:
Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
Raw Sugar: Honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Sesame Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor.
Gochugaru: Crushed red pepper flakes or paprika for a milder heat.
White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different tang.
Directions
- Prepare Scallions – Rinse the finely sliced scallions under cold running water for about 2-3 minutes to remove any sliminess. Shake off excess water using a strainer.
- Mix Dressing – In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, unrefined sugar, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru), distilled white vinegar, and finely minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine Ingredients – Gently toss the drained scallions with the prepared dressing until evenly coated. Use food handling gloves if preferred to mix thoroughly. Transfer the dressed scallions to a serving plate and enjoy immediately as a side dish to your favorite Korean BBQ.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 80kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 6mg
FAQ – Korean Spicy Scallion Salad
How can I adjust the spice level in the Korean Spicy Scallion Salad?
You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) used in the recipe. For a milder salad, reduce the gochugaru to 1 teaspoon or substitute with a milder chili powder. For a spicier kick, increase the gochugaru to 3 teaspoons or more.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the crispness of the scallions. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing and scallions separate and combine them just before serving.
What can I use as a substitute for gochugaru?
If you can’t find gochugaru, you can use crushed red pepper flakes or paprika as a substitute. Note that the flavor and heat level will be slightly different, so adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this salad gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives provide a similar savory flavor without gluten.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the texture of the scallions may become softer, and the salad may lose some of its crispness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, or carrots to the salad for added crunch and variety. Adjust the dressing quantities as needed to ensure everything is well-coated.
