Crisp and Refreshing Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Easy Radish Salad Recipe: Perfect for Bibimbap!
Radish salad (Musaengchae) is delicious not only with autumn radishes but also with spring radishes, as they tend to be sweet. With extended time spent at home, having simple, storable side dishes is essential. Musaengchae is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on its own, as a delightful addition to bibimbap, or paired perfectly with rich meat dishes. Let’s learn how to make this highly adaptable radish salad!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium Korean radish (adjust size as needed)
- 5 stalks of green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Peel the radish and thinly julienne it into approximately 0.3cm thick strips. Trim the roots of the green onions and chop them into 3-4cm lengths.
Step 2
Add 1/4 cup of coarse sea salt to the julienned radish and mix well. Let it sit for 10 minutes to salt and tenderize the radish. This step draws out excess moisture, making the radish crisper.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, rinse the salted radish strips gently under running water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. Removing all excess moisture is key for a good texture and flavor.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the squeezed radish strips, chopped green onions, gochugaru, fish sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the radish evenly.
Step 5
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a pinch more salt if needed, but be careful not to oversalt. Your delicious Musaengchae is now complete!
Step 6
Radish is known to aid digestion and provides a wonderfully refreshing taste, especially during the slightly humid weather we experience now. Musaengchae truly is a fantastic side dish.
Step 7
Musaengchae is often featured as a simple recipe for students living alone or those new to cooking. It’s an easy kimchi that anyone can make successfully.
Step 8
I sometimes add blanched bean sprouts to this salad and mix it all together. Alternatively, a simple fried egg, a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste), and a drizzle of sesame oil create a wonderfully satisfying meal. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
