Quick & Easy Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae) – No Salting Required!
#SimpleSideDish #MakeAheadMeal #RadishSaladRecipe #NoSaltingRequired #Crunchy & Tangy Radish Salad
Transform any leftover radish into a delicious and refreshing side dish with this incredibly simple recipe! This Mu Saengchae skips the traditional salting step, allowing you to enjoy the crisp texture of fresh radish immediately after mixing. To achieve a similar depth of flavor as salted radish, a touch of salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot) can be added, though it’s optional. Sweetness comes solely from plum extract (maesil-aek), and a hint of vinegar provides a wonderfully fermented-like tang. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Korean meal accompaniment!
Ingredients- 1 medium radish
- 2/3 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/3 cup anchovy sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-aek)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Peel the radish and slice it thinly into matchsticks. We are skipping the step of salting the radish beforehand, so it will be mixed directly with the seasoning to maintain its crispness.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic, chopped green onion, and minced ginger to the julienned radish. These aromatics will help eliminate any potential radish scent and add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3
Now, generously add the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This is what gives the radish salad its signature vibrant red color and spicy kick. Using a mix of fine and coarse gochugaru can enhance both the color and taste.
Step 4
Season the salad with anchovy sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot) for a savory umami flavor. You don’t need to add salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot) separately; the anchovy sauce provides sufficient depth. Add plum extract (maesil-aek) for a touch of natural sweetness, and a tablespoon of vinegar for a pleasant, tangy, almost fermented-like taste.
Step 5
Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix. This recipe deliberately omits sesame oil to highlight the fresh, crisp taste of the radish and the vibrant flavors of the seasoning. This ultra-simple radish salad is delicious served immediately or can be chilled in the refrigerator for a short period to allow the flavors to meld.
