KOREAN-STYLE ROMAINE (for four)

1 heart of romaine

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

½ teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

¼ teaspoon coarse Korean hot red pepper flakes (gochugaru)

1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons water

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

1. Cut romaine crosswise into 2 inch pieces and put into a bowl.

2. 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.

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

from Lillian Chou, Gourmet Magazine, 2009