Crispy Kohlrabi and Winter Radish Salad (Saengchae)
A Refreshing and Healthy Kohlrabi and Winter Radish Saengchae!
This recipe features kohlrabi and winter radish, both rich in dietary fiber and wonderfully crisp. We’ve combined them to create a simple yet flavorful Korean-style salad (saengchae). Its delightful texture and balanced sweet, sour, and spicy dressing make it a perfect side dish to elevate any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 kohlrabi
- 1/2 winter radish
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt (for brining)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or regular vinegar, adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or regular vinegar, adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim off the top and bottom ends of the kohlrabi. Peel the kohlrabi, being careful as the skin can be tough. It’s best to peel it generously to get to the tender flesh.
Step 2
Next, prepare the winter radish by peeling off its outer skin. If the radish is large, you can cut it into manageable pieces.
Step 3
Julienne both the kohlrabi and the winter radish into strips about 0.5 cm thick. Cutting them slightly thicker will help maintain their delightful crispness, preventing them from becoming too soft.
Step 4
Place the julienned kohlrabi and radish in a large bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of coarse salt and mix well. Let it brine for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 5
After brining, firmly squeeze out the excess water from the kohlrabi and radish with your hands. Do not rinse the vegetables; simply squeeze out the liquid. Rinsing would remove the flavor and seasoning.
Step 6
Add the seasoning ingredients to the squeezed kohlrabi and radish: gochugaru, minced garlic, sugar, and vinegar. You can adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to suit your preference for sourness and sweetness. Tailor the taste to your liking!
Step 7
Gently mix and toss everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added nutty flavor. If you like, you can add chopped chives or green onions for extra color and aroma, but for longer storage, it’s best to omit them. The salad will still be delicious without them and will last longer.
