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Korean Tomato Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Korean Tomato Salad

Korean Tomato Salad is a cherished staple at home tables, where it's crafted with an intuitive touch. Salt is judged by hand, and a generous splash of olive oil brings everything together. This recipe captures the essence of how a Korean family cook would prepare it, ensuring each bite feels like a warm invitation to the table. It's a dish that finds its place in everyday meals, celebrating the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients.

The salad should offer a crisp and refreshing bite, with the juicy tomatoes and cool cucumbers balanced by the richness of olive oil and the bright zest of lemon juice. Fine sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the produce, while fresh herbs introduce a fragrant finish. It's a vibrant companion to any meal, inviting diners to savor each mouthful in the comfort of home.

Ingredients

  • 3tomatoes
  • 1cucumber
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing the 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges and the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they absorb the dressing well.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. This will give you enough space to toss the salad without spilling. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow for gentle mixing, which will help keep the pieces intact.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until the mixture looks slightly cloudy and well-blended. This emulsified dressing will coat the vegetables evenly, adding a rich flavor.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adding more if needed. The salt should enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes without overpowering them.
  5. Add a handful of fresh herbs of your choice, such as cilantro, basil, or mint, finely chopped. These herbs will add a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness to the salad. Toss the salad gently using your hands or salad tongs to ensure the dressing and herbs are evenly distributed.
  6. Check that the tomatoes and cucumber are well-coated but still hold their shape, indicating that they are ready to serve. The salad should have a glossy appearance with the herbs evenly dispersed.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of the salad. The freshness of the salad pairs beautifully with the bread, making it a perfect dish for sharing.
Cover of Authentic Korean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Korean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Korean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Korean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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