Crisp Autumn Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae) – Golden Recipe
Making a Spicy and Sweet Crisp Radish Salad with Seasonal Autumn Radish
Autumn radishes are abundant in moisture and naturally sweet, making them delicious when prepared as a fresh salad (saengchae). It’s a delightful side dish that becomes a special treat when mixed with rice and a drizzle of sesame oil. Try making this delicious radish salad with seasonal autumn radish!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 medium-sized Autumn Radish
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 2.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp, with liquid)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A handful of Chives (optional, for color and aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 2.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp, with liquid)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A handful of Chives (optional, for color and aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh autumn radish thoroughly under running water. Then, carefully peel off the tough outer skin with a knife. Slice the radish to a uniform thickness of about 0.3 cm. Once sliced, use a mandoline slicer or a knife to julienne the radish into thin strips.
Step 2
If you’re not comfortable julienning with a knife, using a mandoline slicer will make it much easier to achieve uniform radish strips. Even beginners can create neat radish juliennes like a professional with a mandoline.
Step 3
Transfer all the carefully julienned radish strips into a large mixing bowl. A spacious bowl is needed to comfortably mix the radish with the seasonings.
Step 4
Now it’s time to season the radish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse salt evenly over the radish strips to begin the pre-seasoning process. The salt will help draw out excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
Step 5
After adding the salt, gently massage the radish strips with your hands. This action helps the salt dissolve quickly and penetrate the radish, allowing moisture to be released. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the radish to soften and release its water.
Step 6
After 20 minutes, gently tilt the mixing bowl. You’ll notice a significant amount of water has been released from the radish. It’s important to drain this water as it can dilute the flavor of the radish salad. Carefully pour off the excess water, trying not to squeeze the radish.
Step 7
Now, let’s add the main seasonings. First, add about 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. The pungent flavor of garlic will elevate the taste of the radish salad.
Step 8
Next, add 1 teaspoon of saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) for a boost of umami. Saeujeot is a secret ingredient for deep flavor, so be sure to include the liquid as well.
Step 9
Add 2.5 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) generously for a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a fragrant nutty flavor. Using freshly crushed sesame seeds will enhance the aroma.
Step 11
Finally, add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors and add a subtle sweetness. Sugar helps to cut any potential bitterness from the radish and allows the seasonings to meld together harmoniously.
Step 12
Gently mix and toss the radish with all the seasoning ingredients using your hands until everything is well combined. It’s important to mix thoroughly so the seasonings evenly coat the radish strips.
Step 13
Lastly, add a handful of chives and gently toss them in. The chives add a vibrant color and fresh aroma. While optional, they make the salad look much more appealing.
Step 14
After mixing all the ingredients, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to finish with a glossy sheen and nutty aroma. Gently toss one last time, and your delicious autumn radish salad is complete! It’s delicious right away, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste.
