Crisp and Spicy Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae)
The Ultimate Appetite Booster: Easy Mu Saengchae Bibimbap Recipe
Radish, known as a natural digestive aid, is particularly beneficial in autumn, said to be even better than ginseng! When your appetite is low, a simple, refreshingly spicy, and slightly sweet Mu Saengchae (radish salad) is the perfect remedy. Mix it with white rice, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and sesame oil for a delicious bibimbap that will awaken your taste buds. Let’s get started on this easy recipe for the ultimate rice companion!
Salad Ingredients- 1/2 medium Korean radish
- 1 cup chopped green onions
Seasoning- 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor!)
- 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the radish thoroughly under running water and peel off the skin using a peeler or knife. You only need to remove the outer dirt.
Step 2
Cut the peeled radish in half lengthwise. Then, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly julienne the radish. For easier handling, you can place the large mixing bowl you’ll be using for seasoning directly under the mandoline as you slice.
Step 3
Wash the green onions and chop them finely. Feel free to adjust the amount of green onions to your personal preference; their mild pungency adds a wonderful layer of flavor to the radish salad.
Step 4
Transfer the julienned radish to your prepared mixing bowl. Now, get ready to mix in the seasonings. It’s helpful to have all your seasoning ingredients measured out and ready nearby.
Step 5
Begin by adding the Korean chili flakes and coarse sea salt to the radish and gently mix them in with your hands. This initial mixing helps the radish absorb the chili color beautifully. Next, add all the remaining seasoning ingredients: sugar (2 Tbsp), minced garlic (1 Tbsp), vinegar (1/4 cup), chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp), and fish sauce (1 Tbsp). Mix everything together thoroughly. Finally, add the remaining coarse sea salt (2 Tbsp) to adjust the overall seasoning.
Step 6
After mixing, you might think the seasoning is perfect, but radish releases a lot of water. Over time, the salad can become watery and the taste diluted. Therefore, it’s best to let the mixed radish salad sit for about 5-10 minutes. Then, taste it again and adjust the seasoning to your liking. For optimal flavor balance, use salt to adjust. If you desire a more vibrant red color, you can add a bit more Korean chili flakes. Enjoy your delicious Mu Saengchae!
