Crisp and Refreshingly Tangy Simple Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Super Easy Tangy and Sweet Radish Salad Recipe: Perfect for Bibimbap!
Let’s make a refreshingly tangy and sweet radish salad, perfect as a side dish for bibimbap or even as a kimchi substitute! This super simple recipe is a winner.
Radish Salad Ingredients- 1/2 Korean radish (approx. 500g)
- 1 Tbsp salt (for salting)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract/syrup)
- 5 Tbsp vinegar
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare half a Korean radish (about 500g). Peel it thoroughly and rinse it under cold running water. Ensure it’s clean and ready for slicing.
Step 2
Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, julienne the radish into thin strips. Aim for about 0.3 cm thickness for a nice, consistent texture. This step is crucial for the salad’s crispness.
Step 3
In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the julienned radish and mix well. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to salt and draw out moisture. This process tenderizes the radish while keeping it crunchy.
Step 4
After about 10-15 minutes, you’ll notice that a significant amount of liquid has been released from the radish. It looks wonderfully refreshing already!
Step 5
Firmly squeeze out the excess water from the salted radish. Don’t squeeze too hard, as this can crush the radish and affect its texture. Removing most of the water ensures the seasoning adheres well and prevents a watery salad.
Step 6
Now, let’s season the radish. Add 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the squeezed radish and mix to coat it evenly. Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference.
Step 7
Add 2 tablespoons of maesilcheong (plum extract syrup) for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have maesilcheong, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup.
Step 8
Pour in 5 tablespoons of vinegar to provide that essential tangy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar to achieve your desired level of sourness. Generally, a bit more vinegar than sweetener creates a balanced taste.
Step 9
Gently toss and mix the radish with all the seasonings using your hands. Be gentle to avoid breaking the radish strips. The goal is to evenly coat every strand with the delicious dressing.
Step 10
Transfer the well-mixed radish salad into a clean glass container. Presenting it nicely in a lovely dish makes it even more appealing.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and flavor. Rubbing the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling can enhance their fragrance.
Step 12
Cover the container and refrigerate before serving for the best flavor. This simple yet delicious radish salad is perfect as a side dish or as an ingredient in bibimbap. Enjoy your homemade musaengchae!
