Spicy Cold Artichoke Salad
A refreshing seasonal delicacy, this cold artichoke salad balances tender, shredded artichoke hearts with vibrant chili, cilantro, and savory fermented soybeans.
This dish celebrates the tender freshness of spring artichokes through a bright and savory preparation. By quickly shredding and tossing the hearts with aromatic ingredients like garlic, fresh chili, and fermented soybeans, it transforms a simple vegetable into a crisp, flavorful salad that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 whole fresh artichokes
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3-4 fresh red chilies, sliced
- 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fermented soybeans
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- to taste salt
- 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- 1Peel the artichokes

Carefully remove the tough, fibrous outer leaves, discarding them until you reach the soft, tender, and pale central core of the artichoke.
Tip: Keep the heart intact to ensure the best texture for shredding. - 2Soak in acidulated water

Submerge the peeled artichoke hearts in a bowl of cold water mixed with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain their pale color.
Tip: Use a small plate to weigh down the artichoke hearts if they float, keeping them fully submerged in the water. - 3Shred the hearts

Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the artichoke hearts into uniform shreds on a cutting board, ensuring you create clean cuts that will easily absorb the dressing.
Tip: Cut the artichoke hearts in half first to create a flat, stable surface for safer and more uniform shredding. - 4Rinse the shreds

Place the shredded artichoke strips into a fresh bowl of clean water to rinse them thoroughly, ensuring the final salad remains crisp and visually bright.
Tip: Change the water once if it becomes cloudy during this step. - 5Season and toss

Combine the drained artichoke shreds with minced garlic, fresh chili slices, cilantro, fermented soybeans, and soy sauce. Toss everything well with chopsticks until fully integrated.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili and fermented soybeans to suit your spice and salt preference.