Crisp and Refreshing Radish Salad (Musaengchae) with a Special Kiwi Twist
Mastering the Flavorful Musaengchae: A Delightful Korean Radish Salad
Craft a wonderfully crisp and refreshing Korean radish salad (Musaengchae) right in your own kitchen! This recipe incorporates kiwi for a subtle sweetness and unique depth of flavor, elevating a simple side dish into something truly special. Get ready for a taste sensation that pairs perfectly with any meal!
Main Ingredients- 750g Korean radish (about 1/2 medium radish)
- 1 stalk of scallion
Kiwi Seasoning Mix- 50g kiwi (peeled weight)
- 9 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot, solids only)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp white sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (ggot so-geum)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 50g kiwi (peeled weight)
- 9 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot, solids only)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp white sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (ggot so-geum)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re going to make a special radish salad using sweet and tangy kiwi! Follow this recipe, and anyone can create a delicious Musaengchae.
Step 2
First, wash the Korean radish thoroughly. Peel the skin using a peeler or a knife to get a clean surface.
Step 3
Cut the prepared radish in half, then slice it into approximately 0.3cm thick pieces. Next, julienne these slices into thin strips, about 0.3cm thick, as if making small cuts. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform cuts.
Step 4
Peel the kiwi, cut it into quarters, and then finely mince it for the seasoning. The kiwi’s gentle sweetness and unique flavor will significantly enhance the radish salad.
Step 5
If using only the white parts of the scallion, split them in half lengthwise and then slice them into thin strips. If using the green parts as well, slice them diagonally. The fragrant scallions will add another layer of flavor to the salad.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning mix! In a large bowl, combine 9 Tbsp gochugaru, 5 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (solids), 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/4 Tbsp minced ginger, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp honey, and the minced kiwi. Add 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Stir everything together with a spoon until the seasoning is well combined. The kiwi will break down and naturally meld into the sauce.
Step 7
Add the seasoning mix to the julienned radish and gently toss to coat. It’s important to mix it gently so the seasoning evenly covers all the radish strips. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the radish mushy. Transfer the finished radish salad to an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This will help maintain its crispness for longer. While it’s delicious served immediately, letting it chill in the refrigerator for a while will allow the flavors to deepen even further.
