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Korean-Style Cos

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This Korean-style romaine salad offers a refreshing twist on classic greens, transforming crisp lettuce into a punchy, umami-rich side dish. By lightly wilting the leaves with a warm dressing of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, the salad develops a complex depth of flavour that far surpasses its simple preparation. It is an excellent way to use romaine hearts, providing a crunchy texture that stands up beautifully to the savoury, spicy aromatics.

As a versatile vegan dish, this salad is perfect for serving alongside steamed rice, grilled tofu, or as part of a larger spread of small plates. The short marinating time allows the garlic and Korean red-pepper flakes to mellow, resulting in a balanced heat that complements the toasted sesame seeds. It is a healthy, light addition to any weekday dinner that requires minimal effort for maximum flavour.

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Ingredients for Korean-Style Cos

  • 1 heart of cos

  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic

  • 1/2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoons coarse Korean hot red-pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons water

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted and crushed with side of a heavy knife

How to make Korean-Style Cos

Cut cos crosswise into 2-inch pieces and put in a bowl.

Cook garlic, ginger, and red-pepper flakes in sesame oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until garlic begins to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce and water and bring to a boil.

Pour hot dressing over cos and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 30 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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