Crisp and Sweet-Tangy Radish Salad (Musaengchae) Recipe
Super Simple Side Dish! How to Make Refreshing Musaengchae
Easily make this delicious radish salad at home, boasting a satisfying crunch and a delightful sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, or a great alternative to kimchi.
Main Ingredients- 400g Korean radish (about 1/3 of a medium radish)
- A small bunch of green onions or scallions
Seasoning- Salt to taste (use cooking salt or regular salt)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (key for the tangy flavor)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or oligodang (for sweetness and gloss)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract – for a clean sweetness and aroma)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and garnish)
- Salt to taste (use cooking salt or regular salt)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (key for the tangy flavor)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or oligodang (for sweetness and gloss)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract – for a clean sweetness and aroma)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the Korean radish thoroughly and rinse it under running water. Then, slice it into thin, bite-sized strips, about 0.3cm thick and 5cm long. Avoid slicing too thinly, as it can become mushy. Place the julienned radish in a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the seasoning. To the bowl of radish, add 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 3 Tbsp vinegar, 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1 Tbsp maesilcheong. Add the finely chopped green onions or scallions. Season with salt, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. It’s best to adjust the salt gradually rather than adding it all at once.
Step 3
Gently mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the radish evenly. Be careful not to mash the radish; mix gently to maintain its crispness. Once everything is well combined and coated, your delicious radish salad is ready!
Step 4
This finished radish salad has a wonderful crisp texture and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s delicious right away, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a short while will enhance its refreshing taste. Serve it over rice for a bibimbap-style meal, or pair it with grilled meats to cut through the richness – it’s an exceptional side dish!
