Crispy and Delicious Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae) Golden Recipe
The Crown Jewel of Bibimbap! Easy Recipe for Delicious, Crispy Radish Salad
This refreshing and crunchy radish salad, Mu Saengchae, is the perfect companion for Bibimbap! I made this simple yet flavorful salad using some leftover radish. Experience the crisp texture of fresh radish combined with the perfectly balanced seasoning that will tantalize your taste buds. You can enjoy this homemade Mu Saengchae just as delicious as any restaurant’s. It’s especially wonderful for creating a fulfilling meal when served with Bibimbap.
Main Ingredients
- 400g Radish (approx. 1/3 of a medium radish)
- 10 stalks Small Scallions
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for salting radish)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Kimchi Brine (or 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy/Fish Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (adjust sweetness)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Kimchi Brine (or 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy/Fish Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (adjust sweetness)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the radish thoroughly, peel it, and prepare about 400g. Use a coarse grater or thinly julienne it by hand into 3-5cm lengths. Avoid cutting it too thin, as it might become mushy. Aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the julienned radish and gently mix. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to salt. This process draws out excess moisture, making the radish crisper and allowing it to absorb flavors better.
Step 3
Wash the scallions and cut them into 5cm lengths. Lightly pound the white ends of the scallions with the back of your knife. This helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents them from scattering when you mix the salad.
Step 4
After salting for 10 minutes, rinse the radish lightly under water to remove excess salt and impurities. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. Ensuring it’s well-drained is crucial to prevent a watery or bland salad.
Step 5
To the drained radish, add all the prepared seasoning ingredients. This includes 1 Tbsp Kimchi Brine (or fish sauce), 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 tsp Minced Garlic, 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce, 1 Tbsp Plum Extract, and 1 tsp Sugar. Also, add the prepared scallions.
Step 6
Now, gently toss everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the radish. Be careful not to over-mix or mash the radish; a gentle hand will preserve its crispness. Your delicious Mu Saengchae is ready!
Step 7
Transfer the finished Mu Saengchae to a serving dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty aroma and flavor. It will look as good as it tastes.
Step 8
Looking at this freshly made, crisp, and flavorful radish salad immediately brings Bibimbap to mind.
Step 9
This delicious Mu Saengchae, generously added to a bowl of Bibimbap with various fresh vegetables, makes for an incredibly satisfying meal. Try making a delicious Bibimbap with this Mu Saengchae for dinner tonight!
