Crisp and Spicy Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Super Simple! How to Make a Crunchy and Spicy Radish Salad
Today, we’re making a delightfully crisp and spicy radish salad (Musaengchae) that will bring back your appetite, perfect for serving with a bowl of white rice drizzled with sesame oil. It’s incredibly easy and delicious!
Main Ingredients- 400g Korean radish (Mu)
- 1 bunch scallions (or green onions)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (or a hot chili pepper)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or sugar/honey)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or sugar/honey)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash and peel the Korean radish. Julienne it into thin strips, about 0.3cm thick. Cut the scallions into approximately 4cm lengths, and finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper. (Tip: If you julienne the radish too thinly, it might become mushy. Aim for a moderate thickness for a great crunch!)
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the julienned radish with 1/2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. Gently toss to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, ensuring a wonderfully crisp texture.
Step 3
While the radish is resting, lightly squeeze out any excess water that has accumulated. Then, add 3 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the radish and mix well until the radish is evenly coated with the vibrant red color. Pre-seasoning with chili flakes this way helps achieve a beautiful hue.
Step 4
Now, add all the remaining seasoning ingredients. Toss in the prepared scallions, chopped Cheongyang chili pepper, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp of plum extract for a touch of sweetness. Gently mix everything together by hand. Avoid vigorous mixing, as it can make the radish mushy. Mix softly to combine.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and give it one last gentle mix. Your delicious, crisp, and spicy radish salad is ready! It’s great to eat right away, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit will make it even more refreshing and flavorful. Enjoy!
