Crispy Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Quick & Easy Korean Radish Salad Recipe – Deliciously Tangy and Crunchy!
Let’s make a delicious and refreshing Korean radish salad (Musaengchae) that even beginners can easily master! This versatile side dish is perfect on its own or as a vibrant addition to bibimbap. It’s not spicy, with a delightful sweet and tangy flavor that everyone will love. We’ll guide you through every step, from salting the radish to mixing the perfect seasoning. Follow these simple instructions for guaranteed success! For more detailed video tutorials and cooking tips, search for ‘Real Life Cooking Cookmom’ on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and turn on notifications – it truly helps us out! 😊
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean radish (daikon, small size)
- 1/2 stalk green onion
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy)
- 1.5 Tbsp fine salt
- 2 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy)
- 1.5 Tbsp fine salt
- 2 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the radish thoroughly. You can either peel it or use it with the skin on after a good wash, depending on your preference and the radish’s condition. (If using a large radish, use about half of it.)
Step 2
Cut the radish into thin, long strips, about 0.5 cm thick. Aim for strips that are not too thin (to maintain crunch) and not too thick (so the seasoning penetrates well). Delicious radishes these days are naturally sweet!
Step 3
Slice the green onion thinly. You can split it in half lengthwise before slicing for finer pieces. Using both the white and green parts adds a nice flavor.
Step 4
Place the julienned radish in a large bowl. Pour in 3 tablespoons of fish sauce and ensure it coats the radish evenly.
Step 5
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently toss and massage the radish with your hands. Continue for about 2-3 minutes until the radish softens and wilts slightly from the fish sauce. This process helps to tenderize the radish while keeping it crisp.
Step 6
You’ll notice liquid being released from the radish as you mix. This is a key step for creating a flavorful salad.
Step 7
Drain off the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. Discarding this excess water will prevent the salad from becoming watery and ensure a clean taste.
Step 8
To the drained radish, add 1.5 tablespoons of fine salt, 2 tablespoons of fine gochugaru, and the sliced green onions. Mix gently. Adding these first helps the radish absorb the color beautifully and ensures the seasoning penetrates evenly, leading to a tastier result.
Step 9
Once the radish has taken on a nice color from the gochugaru, add the remaining seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon coarse gochugaru, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors are harmoniously blended.
Step 10
And there you have it – a delicious and perfectly seasoned Korean radish salad (Musaengchae) is ready! Enjoy its delightful crunch and refreshing sweet and tangy taste.
Step 11
This Musaengchae is wonderful to enjoy immediately as a side dish, or as a fantastic addition to a meal. It’s especially delicious mixed with rice and a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick and satisfying bowl! Give it a try! 😊