Crisp and Fresh Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Super Simple Radish Kimchi Recipe: No Salting Required, Just Mix and Eat!
While slightly fermented radish kimchi can be delicious, I personally prefer fresh Musaengchae made right before eating, boasting a wonderfully crisp radish texture. It’s a perfect side dish for rice, and if you add a spoonful of gochujang (red chili paste) and mix it well, you’ll have a delightful Musaengchae bibimbap (mixed rice)! Here’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can easily follow.
Ingredients- 1 small radish (approx. 500g)
- 5 stalks of green onion (approx. 30g)
- 3 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 5 Tbsp Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the radish thoroughly. You can peel it if you prefer, but I actually enjoy using it with the skin on. The skin provides a wonderfully chewy and delicious texture to the salad.
Step 2
To make shredding the radish easier, first cut it lengthwise into four equal pieces. Then, using a knife, julienne the radish into strips about 0.3cm thick. If you’re not comfortable with knife work, using a mandoline slicer will make the process much faster and simpler. I highly recommend this method.
Step 3
Add 3 tablespoons of coarse sea salt to the shredded radish and mix evenly. The salt will help draw out excess moisture, contributing to the radish’s crisp texture.
Step 4
Now, add 5 tablespoons of Korean chili powder. Gently rub the chili powder into the radish, mixing carefully until the radish is evenly coated with a vibrant red color. Be gentle to avoid mashing the radish.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix again until all the ingredients are well combined. The sugar helps to balance any slight bitterness from the radish and enhances its overall flavor.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Add the green onions, cut into approximately 5cm lengths or finely chopped, and give it a light mix. The green onions add a fresh aroma and visual appeal to the radish salad.
Step 7
This simple preparation results in a delicious radish salad! For an extra visual flair, incorporate the green onions. You can cut them into 5cm pieces or chop them finely for a more appetizing look. It’s delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
