Crisp & Refreshing Quick Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Boost Your Appetite with the Easiest Side Dish! 5-Minute Quick Radish Salad Recipe
Make this crisp and refreshing radish salad at home with ease and speed. It’s an essential Korean side dish that will have you clearing your plate in no time!
Main Ingredients- 600g Korean radish (about 1/3 of a medium radish)
- 1 stalk green onion (or the white part of a larger scallion)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Wash the radish thoroughly, peel it, and thinly slice the green onion. Slicing the radish thinly is key to its crisp texture, so keep that in mind!
Step 2
Finely chop the prepared green onion into about 0.5cm pieces. Cutting them not too long helps the seasoning penetrate better. Place the chopped green onion in a large bowl.
Step 3
After washing and peeling the radish, julienne it as thinly as possible. Aim for about 3-5mm thickness; thicker slices will take longer to tenderize or won’t be as crisp. Add the julienned radish to the bowl. Now it’s time to season! First, add 2.5 tablespoons of gochugaru to give it color.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of maesil cheong for sweetness and a depth of flavor. If you don’t have maesil cheong, you can mix equal parts sugar and water as a substitute.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the aromatic quality of the seasoning. The slight pungency of the garlic will enrich the overall flavor of the radish salad.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to boost the sweetness. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference to balance the sweet and sour flavors.
Step 7
Add 0.5 tablespoon of salt for seasoning. The amount of salt can vary depending on the fish sauce you use and the moisture content of the radish, so it’s recommended to start with a little and add more after tasting.
Step 8
Add 2.5 tablespoons of vinegar for a refreshing tang. Vinegar helps to brighten the salad, cutting through any richness.
Step 9
Include 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance) to amplify the umami. Fish sauce adds a deep savory flavor that regular salt cannot replicate, so it’s important to add it.
Step 10
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Feel free to add more if you like. The fragrant sesame seeds will elevate the salad’s overall flavor profile.
Step 11
Now, gently toss all the ingredients and seasonings in the bowl to combine them well. It’s important to mix gently so the seasoning coats the radish evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can release too much moisture and make the salad soggy.
Step 12
Transfer the well-mixed radish salad to your serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of aroma and visual appeal. Your quick and delicious radish salad is complete! It can be enjoyed immediately, or refrigerated for an even better flavor.
