Sweet and Tangy Gaji Naengchae (Chilled Eggplant Salad)
A special summer side dish of steamed eggplant and fresh vegetables tossed chilled in a sweet and tangy sauce.
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 summer side dish features eggplant lightly steamed, cooled, and tossed chilled with vegetables. Dressed with a sauce of vinegar and prepared yellow mustard, it is wonderful for reviving your appetite. You can make it easily with everyday ingredients.
- Servings
- 2–3 servings
- Cook time
- 4 minprep not included
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Mildly spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Eggplant2, 250 g
- Cucumber1/2
- Crab stick (crami) (or imitation crab stick)5
- Bell pepper1/3 each (green, yellow, and red)
Sauce
- Regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)1.5 tbsp
- Minced garlic1 tbsp
- Vinegar2 tbsp
- Sugar0.5 tbsp
- Prepared yellow mustard0.5 tsp
- Toasted sesame oil1 tsp
- Ground toasted sesame seeds1 tsp
- Minced Cheongyang chili pepper (hot green chili) and red chili peppera little of each
- You can use regular imitation crab sticks or sliced ham instead of crami.
- You can omit the chili peppers from the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to your taste.
Steps
1. When the water in the pot with the steamer insert comes to a rolling boil, add the eggplant and steam over high heat for about 3-4 minutes.
2. Let the steam dissipate and cool slightly, then tear into thick strips.
3. Julienne the ingredients into lengths similar to the eggplant. You can use regular imitation crab sticks or sliced ham instead of crami.
4. Stir-fry the bell pepper briefly with a pinch of salt and let it cool. Once all ingredients are prepared, keep them in the refrigerator.
5. Mix all the sauce ingredients in the listed amounts. You can omit the chili peppers.
(Adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to your taste)
6. Right before serving, pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss gently.
Ppunwife's tips
- Right before serving, pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss gently.
FAQ
Can I use other ingredients instead of crami?
You can use regular imitation crab sticks or thinly sliced ham instead of crami.
I cannot eat spicy food well. Is it okay to leave out the chili peppers?
You can omit the Cheongyang chili pepper or red chili pepper in the sauce according to your taste.
When is the best time to toss with the sauce?
Keep the prepared ingredients chilled in the refrigerator, then pour the sauce over and toss gently right before serving.
