Spicy Shredded Radish Salad from Aged Kimchi
Making a Delicious Shredded Radish Salad Using Aged Chon-gak Kimchi
Rediscovered some aged Chon-gak kimchi in the back of the fridge! I decided to turn it into a refreshing shredded radish salad. This dish boasts a wonderfully crunchy texture with a spicy and clean flavor that makes it incredibly addictive. It’s a fantastic side dish that you’ll keep reaching for.
Main Ingredients- Radish part from 1 aged Chon-gak Kimchi
- 9 Dried Red Chilies
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the 9 dried red chilies. Soak them in cold water for about 1 hour until they become soft and pliable, which will make them easier to blend.
Step 2
Place the soaked dried chilies and 1-2 tablespoons of water into a blender. Blend them together. The goal is to achieve a slightly coarse texture, similar to coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), rather than a fine paste. This will enhance the texture of the salad. Set this chili paste aside.
Step 3
Now it’s time to work with the radish part of the Chon-gak kimchi. Carefully separate the radish pieces from the kimchi. Slice them into very thin shreds. Thinly sliced radish will absorb the seasonings better and provide a more pleasant texture.
Step 4
Place the shredded radish in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for rinsing off the excess saltiness from the aged kimchi. If your Chon-gak kimchi is particularly salty, adding a little sugar (about 1/2 Tbsp) to the soaking water can help reduce saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor. Adjust the soaking time based on how salty your kimchi is. You can also change the water once during soaking if needed.
Step 5
Drain the shredded radish thoroughly in a colander, ensuring no excess water remains. Excess water can dilute the flavors. Add the prepared chili paste to the drained radish and gently mix by hand (julim-julim) until well combined. Since the aged kimchi itself has a rich flavor, you won’t need many additional seasonings. The result will be a refreshing and delicious salad. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a little sesame oil if you like.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds. Give it a good mix, and your delicious aged Chon-gak kimchi shredded radish salad is ready! Its crisp texture and spicy-sweet flavor will surely whet your appetite and make a wonderful side dish.
