Crispy and Refreshing Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Crispy and Refreshing Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Perfect Recipe for Delicious and Refreshing Korean Radish Salad
Introducing a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Musaengchae, a staple Korean radish salad. Made with common ingredients, it’s easy for anyone to prepare and complements any Korean meal beautifully. Enjoy the delightful crunch and perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavors!
Main Ingredients- 400g Korean radish
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 4 Tbsp fish sauce (kanari or anchovy)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 4 Tbsp fish sauce (kanari or anchovy)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 400g of Korean radish. If you prefer a smaller portion, you can use half of that amount (200g) and adjust the seasoning ingredients proportionally. I’ve made a generous batch to share. Wash the radish thoroughly, peel it, and then slice it into thin, long strips. If you’re not comfortable with knife skills, using a mandoline slicer can be very helpful.
Step 2
Place the julienned radish into a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and gently toss with your hands. This step helps the radish absorb the color from the chili flakes and prepares it for further seasoning. Be sure to mix gently so the radish doesn’t become mushy.
Step 3
Now it’s time to add the remaining seasoning ingredients. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes, 4 tablespoons of fish sauce (either kanari or anchovy), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and finally, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for that nutty aroma. Add them all to the bowl with the radish.
Step 4
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently mix everything together by hand until well combined. It’s important to handle the radish carefully to avoid breaking the pieces. Ensure that all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the radish. You’ll notice a delicious sweet, sour, and spicy aroma as you mix!
Step 5
Transfer the well-mixed, delicious radish salad to a serving dish. It’s ready to be enjoyed immediately! However, for an even better flavor, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a short while to allow the seasonings to meld further. Enjoy your perfectly crisp and flavorful Korean radish salad with your meal!
