How to Make Lettuce Geotjeori: A Fresh and Spicy Korean Salad

Looking for a quick and easy way to spice up your meals? Try lettuce geotjeori, a vibrant Korean salad. It has been a hit since 2015, with nearly 3 million YouTube views and a 4.9/5 rating from over 200 votes. But what's so special about it, and how can you make it at home?

Lettuce geotjeori, or sangchu-geotjeori, is a fresh lettuce salad with a spicy kick. It's perfect with Korean barbecue like LA galbi or bulgogi. You can also mix it with rice and doenjang-jjigae for a tasty bibimbap. It's easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Key Takeaways:

• Lettuce geotjeori is a fresh, spicy, and lightly seasoned Korean salad that can be enjoyed immediately.
• This geotjeori recipe is vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and provides a low-calorie density, making it a healthy and filling option.
• The salad dressing is easily prepared by whisking together ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, apple cider, sesame oil, and gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes).
• Lettuce geotjeori pairs well with Korean barbecue dishes and can be mixed with rice and doenjang-jjigae for a quick bibimbap.
• With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this fresh kimchi salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add some zest to their meals.

Definition of Lettuce Geotjeori

Lettuce geotjeori, also known as sangchu-geotjeori, is a refreshing Korean lettuce salad. It combines crisp lettuce leaves with a spicy, tangy dressing. This easy kimchi recipe is a popular dish in Korean cuisine, often served as a side dish or appetizer.

Basic Explanation of Lettuce Geotjeori

Sangchu-geotjeori is a type of geotjeori, which refers to fresh salads in Korean cuisine that are lightly seasoned. The main ingredient in this dish is lettuce, typically green leaf or romaine lettuce. It is cut into bite-sized pieces and mixed with a flavorful dressing.

The dressing is made from gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes), garlic, sesame oil, and other seasonings.

The Difference Between Lettuce Geotjeori and Other Types of Kimchi

Unlike traditional kimchi, which is made with napa cabbage and undergoes a fermentation process, lettuce geotjeori is meant to be consumed fresh. This korean lettuce salad is a lighter, quicker alternative to classic kimchi. It's an ideal choice for those who prefer a crisp and refreshing side dish.

Cultural Background and Unique Features of Lettuce Geotjeori in Korea

In Korea, sangchu-geotjeori is a beloved spring and summer dish. It is often enjoyed alongside grilled meats like bulgogi or galbi. The spicy and tangy flavors of this easy kimchi recipe help balance the richness of the meat dishes.

Lettuce geotjeori also serves as a popular banchan (side dish) at Korean barbecue restaurants and homes alike. Its bright flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite.

Geotjeori is a testament to the versatility and creativity of Korean cuisine. It shows how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a delightful and memorable dish.

Ingredients and Benefits

Lettuce geotjeori is a tasty and refreshing salad. It's also packed with nutrients. This Korean dish shows how simple veggies can become a healthy meal.

Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients

Lettuce is the star of lettuce geotjeori. It's low in calories but high in fiber. A one-cup serving has just 5 calories and 1 gram of fiber. This makes it great for those trying to stay healthy.

This salad also includes garlic, which boosts your immune system. Garlic can help fight off common colds and infections.

Onions add flavor and are full of antioxidants. These compounds protect your cells from damage. Onions also help your gut health by feeding good bacteria.

The spicy kick comes from gochugaru, a red chili pepper powder. It has capsaicin, which fights inflammation and can boost metabolism. This helps with weight management and reduces body inflammation.

A one-cup serving of kimchi, similar to lettuce geotjeori, has 23 calories. It also has 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. It's a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food.

The dressing often includes apple cider vinegar. It's good for blood sugar levels and gut health. It supports the growth of good bacteria in your stomach.

Lettuce geotjeori is a nutritious and tasty meal addition. It offers many health benefits, like aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Adding this spicy salad to your diet can be very beneficial.

Recipe

Making lettuce geotjeori at home is easy and fun. It's a traditional Korean side dish that's light and spicy. You can make it in no time with just a few ingredients.

List of ingredients

To make lettuce geotjeori for 4 servings, you'll need:

• 1 head of red or green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

Cooking process

Start by washing and drying the lettuce. Tear it into bite-size pieces and put it in a large bowl. Add the sliced onion and green onions to the bowl.

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and gochugaru. This makes a tasty dressing for the lettuce and vegetables.

Just before serving, pour the dressing over the lettuce mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage method

Lettuce geotjeori is best eaten fresh. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The lettuce might get a bit soft, but the flavors will still be great.

This easy kimchi recipe for lettuce geotjeori is perfect for adding a fresh and spicy side dish to your meal. It's light and refreshing, making it great with heavier dishes like grilled meats or stews.

Tips and Cooking Methods

Lettuce geotjeori is a versatile Korean side dish. It pairs well with many main dishes. Its mild bitterness and satisfying crunch, combined with the spicy and umami-rich dressing, make it a perfect complement to a variety of flavors.

For a classic Korean meal, serve lettuce geotjeori alongside grilled meats like LA galbi or bulgogi. This balances out the richness. You can also mix it with rice and a spoonful of doenjang-jjigae or kimchi-jjigae for a quick and tasty bibimbap-style rice bowl. Lettuce geotjeori makes an excellent topping for savory Korean pancakes, known as pajeon. It adds a fresh and zesty kick to each bite.

Recommended Foods That Pair Well with Lettuce Geotjeori

If you're looking for a vegan-friendly option, lettuce geotjeori is great with dubu jorim (braised tofu) or kongnamul muchim (seasoned soybean sprouts). The dish's adaptability allows you to adjust the amount of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to suit your desired spice level. This makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

FAQ

What is lettuce geotjeori?

Lettuce geotjeori, also known as sangchu geotjeori, is a fresh Korean lettuce salad. It's not fermented like other kimchi. Instead, it's a bright, spicy salad served as a side dish in Korean cuisine.

How is lettuce geotjeori different from traditional kimchi?

Unlike traditional kimchi, lettuce geotjeori isn't aged or fermented. It's a fresh salad, lightly seasoned. It's called "geotjeori" in Korean, meaning fresh salads eaten right away.

What are the health benefits of the main ingredients in lettuce geotjeori?

Lettuce is low in calories but high in fiber, helping with digestion. Garlic boosts the immune system and fights off microbes. Onions are full of antioxidants.

Gochugaru, from sun-dried red chili peppers, has capsaicin. This has anti-inflammatory effects and may speed up metabolism. The dressing includes apple cider vinegar, which helps balance blood sugar and supports gut health.

What ingredients do I need to make lettuce geotjeori?

For 4 servings, you'll need: 1 head of red or green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces. Also, 1/4 sliced onion, 2 sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Don't forget 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes).

How long can I store leftover lettuce geotjeori?

Enjoy lettuce geotjeori fresh, but leftovers can last 1-2 days in the fridge. The lettuce might lose some crispness over time.

What dishes pair well with lettuce geotjeori?

Lettuce geotjeori goes well with many Korean dishes. It's great with grilled meats like LA galbi or bulgogi. It also pairs well with rice and doenjang-jjigae or kimchi-jjigae for a quick rice bowl.

For a vegan option, try it with dubu jorim (braised tofu) or kongnamul muchim (seasoned soybean sprouts).