Celtuce Leaves Salad Recipe

I’ve recently discovered the ultimate zesty salad that transforms everyday greens into an exciting adventure for your taste buds, and I can’t wait to share this refreshingly spicy celtuce leaf recipe with you!

I love to make invigorating dishes that showcase unusual elements, and this celtuce salad does just that. With the aromatic combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar; the subtle crunch of toasted sesame seeds; and a whisper of garlic and ginger, it is just bursting with flavor and is everything a salad should be.

Ingredients

• Celtuce Leaves: Rich in fiber and vitamins, offering a fresh, crisp texture.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty flavor and healthy fats for a rich taste.
• Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth, enhancing umami notes in the salad.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tanginess, balancing the salad’s flavors.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and health benefits.
• Ginger: Offers a zesty warmth and aids in digestion.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and rich, toasty flavor.
• Sugar: Balances flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g celtuce leaves, washed and dried
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 small red chili, finely sliced (optional)

How to Make this

1. Celtuce leaves should be torn into pieces that are sized to be eaten and placed in a large mixing bowl.

2. Combine in a small bowl:
• sesame oil
• soy sauce
• rice vinegar
• minced garlic
• grated ginger
• sugar
• salt
Do this step thoroughly and you will taste the magic in every bite (not just the umami, but also the sweet and sour notes that create a well-balanced, healthy life).

3. Drizzle the dressing over the celtuce leaves and toss gently to coat the leaves thoroughly with the mixture.

4. Place the pan on the stove and set the heat to medium. When the pan is warmed, put in the sesame seeds. Toast them until they are a deep, golden color, and you can smell their nutty fragrance. Keep an eye on them, though; it is very easy to go from perfectly toasted to burnt.

5. Let the toasted sesame seeds cool a little, and then scatter them over the salad.

6. For extra fire in your salad, if you are using the red chili, slice it finely and toss it in.

7. Toss the salad one last time to ensure that the sesame seeds and chili are evenly mixed throughout.

8. Place the salad onto a serving platter or into individual bowls.

9. If needed, season with more salt or soy sauce to make it suit your taste.

10. Immediately serve and enjoy your revitalizing Salad of Celtuce Leaves.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl
3. Pan
4. Stove
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Grater
8. Garlic mincer or knife
9. Spatula or wooden spoon
10. Serving platter or individual bowls

FAQ

• What is celtuce, and where can I find it?Also known as stem lettuce or asparagus lettuce, cel- tuce is a lettuce variety that enjoys great popularity in Chinese cuisine. It is typically available in Asian grocery stores and good specialty markets.
• Can I substitute the celtuce leaves with another green?Certainly! If celtuce is not available, spinach or baby kale can be used in its place, but the taste will be somewhat different.
• Is there a substitute for sesame oil if I have an allergy?For individuals allergic to sesame, olive oil or avocado oil can serve as a substitute; however, you should be aware that the oil’s flavor will be less nutty.
• How can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?To amp up the heat, add more sliced red chili. To cool it down, don’t add the chili and use a milder variety of pepper.
• Can this salad be made ahead of time?You can make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator, but it is best to prepare and dress the salad just before serving. That way, it is fresh and maintains the texture of the ingredients.
• Is the sugar necessary in the recipe?Sugar balances the acidity and enhances the flavors. But you can reduce or even leave it out altogether if you prefer.
• Can I add protein to this salad?You can definitely add tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp to this salad to make it more of a meal.

Celtuce Leaves Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be used instead of sesame oil to provide a different flavor profile.
To replace soy sauce with a gluten-free option, use tamari.
If rice vinegar cannot be found, it is possible to use apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic; use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Sunflower seeds can be used instead of toasted sesame seeds for a slight crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Celtuce Leaves For an extra refreshing salad, place the celtuce leaves in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before mixing them with the dressing. This will keep them crisp and enhance their fresh flavor.

2. Enhance the Aromatics Lightly sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in a teaspoon of sesame oil before adding them to the dressing. This will mellow the garlic’s raw edge and bring out the ginger’s warmth, creating a more complex flavor profile.

3. Use Fresh Sesame Oil Ensure that your sesame oil is fresh by smelling it before use. Fresh sesame oil should have a rich, nutty aroma. Rancid oil can spoil the taste of the salad, so it’s important to use a fresh bottle.

4. Customize the Heat Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili used or remove the seeds if you’d like a milder heat. Alternatively, you can use a different type of chili pepper depending on your heat tolerance.

5. Balance the Dressing Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. If you find it too salty or sour, add a pinch more sugar to balance it. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, a bit more vinegar can bring the flavors back into balance.