Introduction
Korean-Style Grated Carrot Salad, commonly known as Morkovcha, is a vibrant and flavorful salad that originated in Central Asia and was inspired by Korean cuisine. It is crunchy, lightly spicy, tangy, and aromatic, making it a perfect side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or sandwiches. This salad is simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) carrots, peeled and grated (julienne style preferred)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (sunflower or neutral oil)
3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust for heat)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Grate the carrots into thin strips using a julienne grater or a knife. Place in a large bowl.
Sprinkle salt and sugar over the carrots. Gently massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes to slightly soften them.
Add vinegar, ground coriander, paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper. Mix well.
Heat the oil in a small pan until very hot but not smoking.
Add minced garlic to the hot oil and immediately remove from heat.
Carefully pour the hot garlic oil over the carrots.
Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the carrots.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor.
Description
Morkovcha is crisp and refreshing with a perfect balance of tanginess, spice, and subtle sweetness. The hot oil poured over garlic releases deep aroma and enhances the spices, while the carrots remain crunchy yet tender. Over time, the flavors meld together, creating a bold and addictive salad.
Tips
Use fresh, sweet carrots for the best texture and flavor.
Julienne-style grating gives the most authentic result.
Let the salad rest overnight for deeper flavor.
Adjust vinegar and chili to suit your taste preference.
Stir before serving to redistribute the seasoning.
Variations
Extra Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
With Onions: Add thinly sliced onions softened in hot oil.
With Soy Sauce: Replace half the salt with soy sauce for deeper umami.
With Sesame: Add sesame oil or sesame seeds for a nutty note.
With Herbs: Add chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Correction
If the salad is too sour:
Add a small pinch of sugar and mix well.
If the salad is too salty:
Add more grated carrots to balance.
If carrots are too firm:
Massage them longer or let the salad rest longer in the fridge.
Enjoy
Enjoy Korean-Style Grated Carrot Salad (Morkovcha) chilled as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for wraps and bowls. Its bold flavor and crisp texture make it a favorite addition to any meal.