Refreshing Radish Salad (Muchae Muchim)
Speedy 10-Minute Radish Salad Recipe
Summer radishes can sometimes be less flavorful or have a stronger bite than their autumn counterparts, making one hesitant to prepare them as a simple side dish. However, this recipe is designed to bring out the best in summer radishes, resulting in a crisp, refreshing, and delightfully tangy salad. It’s incredibly quick, ready in just 10 minutes! This radish salad is not only a perfect side dish on its own but also a fantastic addition to dishes like cold noodles (naengmyeon), spicy mixed noodles (bibim guksu), or bibimbap, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
Main Ingredients- 800g radish (approx. 1/2 medium radish)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (cheonilyeom)
- 8 Tbsp vinegar
- 5 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp finely ground red chili powder (goeun gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (cheonilyeom)
- 8 Tbsp vinegar
- 5 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp finely ground red chili powder (goeun gochugaru)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the skin off the radish. Peeling helps to achieve a cleaner texture and taste in the finished salad.
Step 2
Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, julienne the peeled radish into thin, long strips. Try to keep the thickness as uniform as possible for even seasoning and a consistent bite. If using a knife, slice thinly to create matchsticks.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the sugar, coarse sea salt, vinegar, finely ground chili powder, fish sauce, and plum extract. Whisk everything together until the sugar and salt are dissolved, creating a well-balanced dressing. The plum extract adds sweetness and a pleasant aroma, while the fish sauce provides a savory depth.
Step 4
Add the julienned radish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix and toss the radish with the seasoning. Ensure all the strands are coated evenly with the dressing. Avoid overmixing, which can make the radish mushy.
Step 5
Continue to toss the radish gently from bottom to top, ensuring the seasoning is distributed throughout. Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Step 6
Transfer the seasoned radish salad to a storage container. While it’s delicious served immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for a short while will enhance its crispness and refreshing taste.
