Crispy Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae)
Quick and Easy 5-Minute Radish Salad Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a refreshing and crunchy radish salad (Mu Saengchae) that’s perfect for any meal. Did you know that a delicious ‘Bibimbap’ can be made simply by topping this seasoned radish with a fried egg? Let’s make this Mu Saengchae with its signature crispiness!
Ingredients- 1/4 Korean radish (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 stalk green onion (white part mainly)
- 2 Tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash and peel the radish. Slice it into uniform strips about 0.3cm thick. Thinner slices will absorb seasonings better and result in a crisper texture. Finely chop the green onion, focusing on the white parts. If you prefer, you can use chopped chives instead. When selecting your radish, choose one that is firm and hasn’t become hollow inside, as this is key to a good texture.
Step 2
The secret to a super crunchy radish salad is to skip the salting step! Immediately after slicing the radish, add the Korean chili flakes and gently mix by hand. This process coats the radish with color without drawing out too much moisture, preserving its crispness.
Step 3
Now, let’s season the salad. Add 1 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp vinegar. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This combination provides a delightful sweet and sour flavor. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly salt the radish strips and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before seasoning, then drain any excess water. Personally, I find that omitting sesame oil results in a brighter, more vibrant flavor for this sweet and sour radish salad.
Step 4
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and the chopped green onions. Gently toss everything together one last time. Your delicious and refreshing radish salad is ready! It’s surprisingly easy, isn’t it? The key to a great Mu Saengchae truly lies in the balance of the seasoning. Enjoy making it!
