Spicy Braised Radish Salad (Dongchimi Muchim)
How to Make a Delicious Seasoned Radish Salad Using Dongchimi – A Seasonal Side Dish
Let’s make a special seasonal side dish using the delicious dongchimi (water radish kimchi) we prepared during the kimchi-making season. This recipe highlights the refreshing and crisp texture of the radish.
Ingredients- 2 Dongchimi radishes
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 tsp Oligodang (corn syrup/oligosaccharide)
- 2 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll be sharing a recipe for a special side dish using delicious dongchimi (water radish kimchi) that we made during the kimchi-making season: ‘Dongchimi Muchim’ or seasoned radish salad. This dish boasts a refreshing, sweet, and crisp flavor that’s distinct from regular seasoned radish (mu saengchae). Let’s start making this delightful seasonal dish right away!
Step 2
First, rinse the dongchimi radishes you have prepared. Then, thinly julienne them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them thinly will help the seasoning penetrate well and improve the texture.
Step 3
Next, firmly squeeze out the excess water from the julienned radishes using your hands. This is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to maintain its crispiness. This step is key to achieving the perfect crunchy texture for your dongchimi muchim!
Step 4
Place the squeezed radishes into a large bowl. If your dongchimi also contains radish greens (mucheong), you can thinly slice and add them as well for an even richer flavor and added nutrition. The subtle sweetness and aroma of the radish greens make it even more special.
Step 5
Now, let’s add the seasonings. First, add 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Lightly crushing the sesame seeds before adding them will release even more of their fragrance.
Step 6
Next, add 2 teaspoons of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for a touch of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference. Consider the saltiness and refreshing taste of the dongchimi brine when adjusting the seasoning.
Step 7
Finally, add 2 teaspoons of oligodang (corn syrup/oligosaccharide) to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness. You can substitute this with honey or sugar if preferred. Make sure all the seasonings blend well together.
Step 8
Once all the seasonings are in, gently mix everything together with your hands. Toss the radishes softly to ensure the seasoning coats them evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the radishes mushy.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious Dongchimi Muchim is ready. You can enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a more refreshing taste. Thanks to the inherent savory and refreshing flavors of the dongchimi itself, you don’t need many other ingredients to create a wonderfully delicious dish. It’s a perfect side for any meal or even as a snack!
