Sweet and Sour Doraji Oi Saengmuchim
A spicy, sweet, and sour side dish of bellflower root rubbed with salt to remove its bitterness and tossed with fresh cucumber.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
This side dish pairs crisp cucumber with bellflower root that has been scrubbed with coarse sea salt to soften it and tone down its distinctive bitterness. Tossed in a gochujang and vinegar dressing, it makes a bright, refreshing side dish.
- Servings
- about 3–4 servings
- Cook time
- 20 minprep not included
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Bellflower root (doraji)200 g
- Cucumber1/2
- Salta little
Seasoning
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)1 tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)1 tbsp
- Vinegar1.5 tbsp
- Corn syrup (mulyeot)1 tbsp
- Garlic1 tsp
- Toasted sesame oil1 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds1 tsp
- If using whole bellflower roots, peel them first and split them thinly using a thin metal skewer or chopstick.
Steps
Place the bellflower root in a large bowl.
Add coarse sea salt and scrub it vigorously.
A lot of foam will form like that, which draws out the bitterness of the bellflower root and softens its stiff texture.
Soak the bellflower root in cold water to wash away the saltiness left from scrubbing.
Drain the bellflower root and squeeze out excess moisture once the saltiness is rinsed out.
Add the julienned cucumber, gochujang, gochugaru, vinegar, corn syrup, garlic, and toasted sesame oil to the bellflower root, and gently toss together.
Your fresh bellflower root salad is ready.
Ppunwife's tips
- Scrubbing vigorously with coarse sea salt produces a lot of foam, which removes the bitterness from the bellflower root and softens its stiff texture.
FAQ
How do you reduce the bitterness of bellflower root?
Rub it vigorously with coarse sea salt until foam forms, then soak it in cold water to rinse out the saltiness; this takes away much of the bitter taste.
How should I split whole bellflower roots?
Peel the skin and split them into thin strips using a thin metal skewer or chopstick.
Can I use sugar or oligosaccharide syrup instead of corn syrup? AI-generated
Yes, you can substitute sugar or oligosaccharide syrup for the corn syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
