Crispy & Tangy Quick Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Simple Radish Salad Recipe with a Salting Step for Enhanced Flavor
Perfect for when you have a lack of appetite! Let’s make a super simple radish salad using lightly pickled radishes that stay refreshingly crisp and tangy. This easy recipe is perfect to serve as a side dish or with bibimbap.
Radish Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 medium Korean radish (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pickling the radish)
- 2 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup, for sweetness and shine)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 1 Tbsp ginger syrup (or minced ginger, for aroma)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (key for the tangy flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract, for balanced sweet & sour)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Generous amount of toasted sesame seeds (for a nutty finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare half of a medium Korean radish by peeling its skin thoroughly. Aim for about 300-400g, depending on the radish size.
Step 2
Using a mandoline slicer or a knife, cut the radish into thin, uniform matchsticks. A mandoline will make this process much quicker and easier.
Step 3
Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt to the julienned radish and gently mix to coat.
Step 4
Next, add 2 tablespoons of oligodang (or corn syrup) and lightly mix. This helps to tenderize the radish and infuse it with sweetness.
Step 5
Let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice water releasing from the radish, which helps to keep it crisp while drawing out excess moisture.
Step 6
Drain the salted radish through a sieve and squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming watery and ensures the flavors meld well.
Step 7
Transfer the squeezed radish to a bowl and add all the seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp ginger syrup, 3 Tbsp vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp maesilcheong, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic.
Step 8
Gently toss and mix the ingredients until the radish is evenly coated with the seasoning. Your moist and flavorful radish salad is now ready!
Step 9
Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 10
This radish salad is a perfect topping for bibimbap! Serve it generously over rice and enjoy a delicious meal. Try making it yourself!
