Fresh OYSTER Kimchi Radish (Kkakdugi) Recipe
Seasonal Delight: A Refreshing Oyster Kkakdugi
Now is the perfect season for ‘Kkakdugi’ featuring fresh oysters! Often called the ‘milk of the sea,’ oysters are at their peak right now. I’ve prepared this delightful oyster kkakdugi that my husband and children absolutely love.
Ingredients
- 2 small radishes (approx. 1.5kg)
- 500g fresh oysters
- 1 cup coarse sea salt (for salting radish)
- 2 cups Kimchi seasoning paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 bunch green onions (approx. 50g)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly peel the skin off the radishes and rinse them well under running water. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle 1 cup of coarse sea salt evenly over the cut radishes. Let them salt for about 30 minutes; this will help the radish become crisp and release moisture, allowing the seasoning to penetrate better. After salting, rinse the radishes thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, and then drain them completely in a colander. Ensure all excess water is removed, as this prevents the kkakdugi from becoming mushy and helps in its preservation.
Step 2
Fresh oysters, often called the ‘milk of the sea,’ are packed with nutrients. To remove any unpleasant odor and impurities, gently rinse the oysters with a bit of coarse sea salt. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times. Carefully check for and remove any shell fragments or debris while rinsing. Drain the washed oysters in a sieve. Be gentle when washing to avoid breaking the oysters.
Step 3
Wash the green onions and trim off the root ends. Cut them into segments of about 2-3 cm, making them easy to eat. To the drained radishes, add 2 cups of the prepared kimchi seasoning paste and mix well by gently massaging. It’s important to ensure the radishes are evenly coated with the seasoning. Once the radishes have absorbed some of the seasoning, add the cut green onions and mix again lightly. The crispness of the green onions will add another layer of flavor to the oyster kkakdugi.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the oysters. Carefully place the drained oysters over the seasoned radishes and green onions. The key here is to mix gently to avoid crushing the delicate oysters. Fold them in carefully. The fresh, briny flavor of the oysters will meld beautifully with the seasoning, creating a delicious oyster kkakdugi.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the finished oyster kkakdugi for a nutty aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle mix to combine everything. Your delicious oyster kkakdugi is ready! While it’s tasty right away, chilling it in the refrigerator will enhance its refreshing crispness. Enjoy this delightful oyster kkakdugi as a perfect side dish or even a snack!
