Crispy and Delicious Radish Salad (Musaengchae) Golden Recipe
Easy and Crispy Radish Salad Recipe for Beginners, Perfect Pairing with Bossam, Refreshing Radish Dish with Sweet and Tangy Flavors, Simple Radish Salad with Perfect Ratios, Great Ingredient for Bibimbap
Hello everyone! I’m Superpower, your culinary friend. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a spicy, sweet, and crunchy radish salad (Musaengchae), an essential side dish on Korean tables! Musaengchae is best enjoyed fresh, so instead of making a large batch, I recommend using a 6-7cm piece of radish to make just enough for immediate consumption. It’s not difficult to make, and it cooks quickly, so you can easily prepare it even on busy days. It’s delicious mixed into freshly cooked rice for bibimbap, and it’s also the perfect accompaniment to rich dishes like bossam or pork belly, cutting through the richness with its refreshing taste! If you follow these steps, anyone can make a delicious radish salad. Now, shall we get started with the mouthwatering recipe for Musaengchae?
Ingredients- Fresh radish, 6-7cm length (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for seasoning)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar (or 1 Tbsp stevia)
- 0.5 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 0.5 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (minced finely)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to taste (adjust for spice preference)
- Green parts of 1/2 scallion or green onion
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the radish thoroughly. Peel off any dirty parts or the skin using a peeler or knife. Once prepped, thinly julienne the radish into bite-sized pieces (about 0.3cm thick is ideal).
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the julienned radish with 1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt and 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar (or 1 Tbsp stevia). Gently toss with your hands to wilt the radish and allow the seasoning to penetrate. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice water starting to come out of the radish.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the secondary ingredients for the seasoning. Finely chop the green parts of the scallion or green onion. Wash and peel the onion, then julienne it to a similar thickness as the radish. Mince the garlic cloves or mash them with the side of a knife. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma to the salad.
Step 4
Wash the scallion or green onion thoroughly, then slice them thinly on the bias, about 0.5cm thick. This slicing method helps the dressing to penetrate well and makes for a visually appealing dish.
Step 5
Julienne the onion finely, matching the thickness of the radish shreds. The onion’s sweetness and crunch will enrich the overall flavor of the radish salad.
Step 6
Finely mince or mash the prepared garlic cloves using a knife or a garlic press. The garlic aroma is key to the deliciousness of Musaengchae.
Step 7
After letting the radish sit for 10 minutes, use both hands to gently squeeze out the excess water. Discard the collected liquid. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the radish mushy.
Step 8
Transfer the squeezed radish back into a clean bowl. Gently loosen the radish shreds so they don’t clump together.
Step 9
Now it’s time to season! First, add the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and mix well to coat the radish shreds with color. This step helps the seasoning distribute evenly. (Adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference.)
Step 10
Next, add 0.5 Tbsp of minced salted fermented shrimp, 2 Tbsp of fish sauce, and 0.5 Tbsp of salt to adjust the seasoning. Then, add the prepared julienned onion, minced garlic, and sliced scallion (or green onion). Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the radish.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Give it one last gentle toss, and your delicious, glossy Musaengchae is complete!
Step 12
There you have it – a perfectly made Muaengchae! Doesn’t it look appetizing? This salad is a fantastic side dish that stimulates your appetite with its sweet and tangy flavor and crisp texture. Serve it on your table and enjoy right away!
