Crispy and Delicious Radish Salad (Musaengchae) Recipe
Crispy and Delicious Radish Salad (Musaengchae) Recipe
Autumn’s Elixir: Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Autumn radishes are truly a treasure, packed with nutrients! This radish salad is a perfect side dish to accompany any meal, especially when you’re craving something refreshing or don’t have kimchi. On busy days, whip up a fried egg, mix it with this vibrant radish salad, a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, and crumbled seaweed for a heavenly bibimbap-style meal. It’s incredibly easy to make – give it a try!
Musaengchae Ingredients- 1/2 Korean radish (Mu)
- 2/3 Tbsp salt (using a large serving spoon)
- 1.2 Tbsp red chili flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2/3 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of soy sauce (adjust seasoning based on how much the radish is salted)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- A pinch of MSG (optional, like Miwon)
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare half of a fresh Korean radish. You can adjust the quantity based on the size of your radish.
Step 2
Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly julienne the radish. While a knife works, a mandoline slicer makes the process much faster and results in uniform strips, enhancing the texture.
Step 3
With a mandoline slicer, you can have beautifully julienned radish ready in just about 5 minutes!
Step 4
Add 2/3 Tbsp of fine salt to the julienned radish and gently mix. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to salt and tenderize the radish, drawing out excess moisture.
Step 5
After 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll notice water released from the radish, as shown in the picture. Gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can affect the radish’s crispiness.
Step 6
To the drained radish, add the red chili flakes, sugar, sesame oil, vinegar (if using), MSG, and sesame seeds. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Taste the salad and if it needs more flavor, add a tiny bit of soy sauce or fish sauce to adjust the seasoning. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add finely chopped scallions or green onions.
Step 7
Behold, your delicious and appetizing radish salad is ready! While it might have a slightly different taste than what your mom used to make, mixing it with a bowl of warm rice creates a wonderfully satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade musaengchae!
