Savory and Sweet Radish Salad with Dongchimi
A Delicious Transformation of Dongchimi: The Ultimate Rice-Stealing Radish Salad
Many households make Dongchimi (Korean radish water kimchi) during the Kimjang season. The refreshing taste is amazing! But what if you have leftover Dongchimi? Transform your aged Dongchimi into a ‘rice-stealing’ dish with this recipe from ‘Bulyang Mom’! It has a savory, sweet, and tangy flavor that’s surprisingly addictive, perfect for topping your rice. It’s similar to pickled radish or danmuji salad but with an even richer, more complex umami. You can even make two versions, one for adults and one for kids, to suit everyone’s palate!
Main Ingredients (Adult Version)- 1 Dongchimi radish
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- A little onion or scallion (optional)
Kids’ Version Dongchimi Radish Salad Ingredients- 1 small Dongchimi radish
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp pineapple preserve (for sweetness and tanginess)
- A little onion or scallion (optional)
- 1 small Dongchimi radish
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp pineapple preserve (for sweetness and tanginess)
- A little onion or scallion (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, since the Dongchimi radish can be quite salty, rinse it under cold water to slightly reduce the saltiness. This helps retain the refreshing taste of the radish while making it less salty.
Step 2
Wash the rinsed Dongchimi radish thoroughly and slice it thinly. Slicing it thinly is important so the seasoning can penetrate well; otherwise, it might not absorb the flavors properly.
Step 3
If you prefer a more visually appealing dish, you can finely chop the thinly sliced radish. However, keeping it sliced is also good for texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare for mixing. We’ll use a large bowl for the adult version and a smaller bowl for the kids’ version. Prepare one large Dongchimi radish and one small one.
Step 5
For the adult version, add the measured seasoning ingredients (minced garlic, sugar, plum extract, perilla oil, gochugaru) to the large bowl and mix them well.
Step 6
If using onion or scallions, finely chop them. ‘Bulyang Mom’ used finely chopped homemade onions instead of scallions.
Step 7
Add the prepared onion or scallions to the adult version’s bowl. Do the same for the kids’ version, adding the ingredients along with the seasonings. (Add pineapple preserve for the kids’ version).
Step 8
Now, add the prepared radish, seasonings, and vegetables to each bowl and gently mix everything together. Your delicious Dongchimi radish salad is ready!
Step 9
The seasoning is simple, and considering the time it takes to slice the radish, you can create a tasty side dish very quickly. It’s a fantastic side dish for busy days.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish. Crushing the sesame seeds slightly with your hands before adding them will enhance their nutty aroma.
Step 11
You’ll have two delicious side dishes in one go! The sweet, salty, and savory flavor is so enticing that it will make your rice disappear in no time. It’s especially delicious when mixed with rice and soup or warm barley tea. Truly a special treat!
