Crispy, Sweet & Sour Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Crispy, Sweet & Sour Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Super Easy! How to Make Delicious Musaengchae at Home
The perfect match for rich meats! Enjoy this sweet, sour, and crispy radish salad made easily and quickly at home. It’s the ultimate side dish to whet your appetite.
Musaengchae Ingredients- 1 medium radish (approx. 500g)
- 3 Tbsp red chili powder
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger
- 2/3 Tbsp sugar (or 1 Tbsp plum syrup)
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one medium radish (about 500g). First, peel the radish thoroughly and rinse it under running water. Then, cut the radish into strips about 2-3mm thick and approximately 5-7cm long. Place the julienned radish in a bowl.
Step 2
Add 3 tablespoons of red chili powder to the julienned radish to give it a beautiful color. Gently mix with your hands; this will evenly coat the radish and tint it a lovely red. This step makes the ‘musaengchae’ look much more appetizing.
Step 3
Once the chili powder has evenly coated the radish strips and they’ve taken on a beautiful hue, it’s time to add the rest of the seasonings.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce for a savory depth of flavor. You can substitute with ‘ganjang’ (soy sauce) or ‘fish sauce’ if preferred.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a refreshing tang. Feel free to use your favorite type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or brown rice vinegar.
Step 6
Mix in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for aroma and 1/3 tablespoon of minced ginger for a subtle spicy kick. Be mindful not to add too much ginger, as its flavor can become overpowering.
Step 7
Add 2/3 tablespoon of sugar to bring a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, using 1 tablespoon of sweet plum syrup will add a richer, more complex flavor.
Step 8
Finally, finely chop 2 stalks of green onions and add them for freshness. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Now, gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands, being careful not to mash the radish. The key is to maintain its crispness!
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious ‘musaengchae’ is ready, boasting a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors! It looks incredibly appetizing.
Step 10
This homemade ‘musaengchae’ is wonderful served immediately with warm rice or even as a fresh side dish. However, it truly shines when paired with rich, savory boiled pork (suyuk). Arrange it attractively on the serving platter alongside the pork.
Step 11
Take a tender piece of boiled pork and top it generously with the crisp, sweet, and sour ‘musaengchae’. The explosion of flavors in your mouth will leave you delighted. It’s absolutely delicious!
