Crispy and Delicious Spicy Radish Salad (Musaengchae Muchim)
Spicy and Sweet Crispy Radish Salad
I saw fresh radishes on sale at the supermarket recently and decided to bring one home! Without a second thought, I immediately made this delightful radish salad. It’s a perfect banchan (side dish) that’s incredibly easy to whip up with basic pantry staples. If you’re ever craving a refreshing and flavorful bite, this is it!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium radish (approx. 1kg)
- A small bunch of green onions or scallions, finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let me introduce you to our star today: the ‘Spicy and Sweet Crispy Radish Salad.’ This dish has a magical flavor that will make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice!
Step 2
Wash the radish thoroughly and peel off the skin using a peeler. For a more tender texture, you can trim off the tough core of the radish.
Step 3
Using a mandoline slicer or a knife, thinly slice the radish, then julienne it into fine strips. Aim for about 0.5cm thickness for even seasoning and a pleasant texture. Be careful not to slice them too thinly, or they might become mushy!
Step 4
Place the julienned radish in a large bowl. First, add the gochugaru and gently mix it in with your hands. This step helps to draw out some of the radish’s moisture and evenly coats the strips with a beautiful red hue. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to slightly soften.
Step 5
Now, add the tuna extract (or fish sauce), sugar, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the finely chopped green onions or scallions for added fragrance. A pinch of coarse salt can be added to adjust the taste according to your preference.
Step 6
Gently toss everything together with your hands until all the seasoning ingredients are well combined with the radish. It’s important to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and absorbed into each strand of radish. Mix gently to avoid mashing the radish.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Rubbing the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling can enhance their fragrance. Give it one or two more gentle tosses, and it’s ready!
Step 8
There you have it – a perfectly crispy, spicy, and sweet ‘Radish Salad’! It’s delicious right away, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a while will allow the flavors to meld even further, creating a more profound taste. Serve it over a bowl of warm rice for an incredibly satisfying meal!
