Crisp and Sweet-Sour Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Easy and Simple Radish Salad Recipe with a Refreshing Kick
We’ve made a delicious sweet and sour radish salad using wonderful autumn radishes. ^^ Autumn radishes are said to be even more beneficial for the body than the ‘insan’ (ginseng) due to their crispier texture, enhanced sweetness, and rich nutrients, making radish itself a potent tonic. This recipe will guide you to create a delightful radish salad at home effortlessly!
Main Ingredients- Fresh Autumn Radish 392g
- Scallions 4-5 stalks
Seasoning Ingredients- Sugar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
- Vinegar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Salt 2 tsp
- Soy Sauce (for seasoned dishes) 1 tsp
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
- Sugar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
- Vinegar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Salt 2 tsp
- Soy Sauce (for seasoned dishes) 1 tsp
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh radish. Using a kitchen scrubber or a clean vegetable brush, scrub the radish thoroughly to clean its skin. Leaving the skin on can result in an even fresher and more flavorful radish salad.
Step 2
Trim off the very top part of the radish that is suitable for making the salad. The upper part of the radish is known for its sweetness and pleasant texture.
Step 3
To prevent the radish from rolling, secure it firmly. First, cut it in half lengthwise. Then, prepare to slice it thinly. It’s crucial to slice it thinly so the seasoning can penetrate well; otherwise, it might not absorb the flavors properly.
Step 4
Now, thinly slice the radish pieces into fine julienne strips. The key to a delicious radish salad is to julienne the radish as thinly and uniformly as possible, allowing the seasoning to be absorbed evenly. Thicker strips can reduce the satisfying crunch.
Step 5
Wash the scallions, pat them dry, and finely chop them. Prepare about 4-5 stalks. The aromatic freshness of the scallions will enhance the overall flavor of the radish salad.
Step 6
Place the julienned radish into a large mixing bowl. First, add the Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gently toss with your hands to coat the radish evenly with a beautiful color. This method helps prevent the radish from breaking apart and gives it a vibrant hue.
Step 7
Once the radish is evenly colored with Gochugaru, it’s time to add the remaining seasoning ingredients. Add the sugar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp), salt (2 tsp), soy sauce (1 tsp), vinegar (2 Tbsp + 1 tsp), and minced garlic (1 tsp). Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasonings are well combined with the radish. Thoroughly mixing is key for the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Finally, add the toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) and mix lightly once more. The nutty aroma of the sesame seeds will further elevate the taste of the radish salad. Your delicious radish salad is now ready! You can enjoy it immediately, or refrigerate it for a short while to achieve an even crisper texture.
