Crisp & Tangy Radish Salad (Musaengchae Muchim)
Crisp & Tangy Radish Salad (Musaengchae Muchim)
The Golden Recipe for Summer Bossam’s Side Dish: Musaengchae Muchim for Your Husband’s Lunchbox
Let’s make Musaengchae Muchim, a perfect side dish for rice and lunchboxes. This simple yet delicious salad is incredibly satisfying!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 medium Korean radish
- 1/2 handful coarse sea salt (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- A little water (if needed for salting)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re going to make a crisp, tangy, and sweet radish salad called Musaengchae Muchim. It’s the perfect accompaniment to summer bossam (boiled pork wraps) and also makes a fantastic, easy lunchbox side dish.
Step 2
First, prepare half a medium Korean radish. Wash it thoroughly, then slice it thinly into matchsticks. Using a mandoline slicer will make this process easier and ensure uniform cuts. Place the julienned radish in a bowl, add about 1/2 handful of coarse sea salt, and gently toss to coat. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to salt and soften slightly, which helps develop its crisp texture. After salting, squeeze out the excess water firmly with your hands and discard it. This step is crucial for preventing the salad from becoming watery and maintaining its delightful crunch.
Step 3
Now, let’s season the radish. Add the squeezed radish to a clean bowl. Mix in 2 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of fish sauce, 1 tsp of minced garlic, and a handful of chopped green onions. For that signature tanginess, add 1 tsp of vinegar. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the radish. Taste and adjust the flavors with more sugar, vinegar, or fish sauce if needed, according to your preference.
Step 4
Voila! Your delicious, crisp, and tangy Musaengchae Muchim is ready. This radish salad is wonderful simply mixed into rice for a flavorful meal, or served as a side dish with hot white rice. It also cuts through the richness when served with bossam or suyuk (boiled pork). Enjoy your meal!
