Crispy and Sweet & Sour Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
Crispy and Sweet & Sour Radish Salad (Musaengchae)
The Ultimate Musaengchae Recipe: A Refreshing Side Dish and Perfect Bibimbap Ingredient
Introducing Musaengchae, a delightful radish salad that’s perfect for when you crave something refreshing and tangy. Its crisp texture and savory seasoning make it an excellent side dish, and it’s also a fantastic ingredient for bibimbap! Enjoy the subtle sweetness that lingers with every bite. (Measurements are based on tablespoon (1 Tbsp = 밥 숟가락). This recipe is based on cooking with less salt, so adjust seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add more salt, sugar, or vinegar as needed.)
Key Ingredients for Sweet & Sour Musaengchae- Radish (Moo) 550g (approx. 1/4 medium radish)
- Chives (Jjokpa) 20g (approx. 3-4 stalks)
The Golden Ratio: Musaengchae Seasoning- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp (adjust for spiciness)
- Brown sugar 1 Tbsp (for subtle sweetness)
- Vinegar 2 Tbsp (for tanginess)
- Salt 0.5 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Fish sauce (Canary brand) 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp (for flavor)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp (for nutty aroma)
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.8 Tbsp (or to taste)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp (adjust for spiciness)
- Brown sugar 1 Tbsp (for subtle sweetness)
- Vinegar 2 Tbsp (for tanginess)
- Salt 0.5 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Fish sauce (Canary brand) 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp (for flavor)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp (for nutty aroma)
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.8 Tbsp (or to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the radish. Slice it into half-moon shapes about 2-3mm thick, and then cut these slices into julienne strips of the same thickness to create the radish matchsticks. Place the prepared radish matchsticks into a bowl.
Step 2
Wash the chives and pat them dry. Finely chop them. Also, have your minced garlic ready.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic (1 Tbsp) and the finely chopped chives (20g) to the bowl with the radish matchsticks.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add all the seasoning ingredients. Add Gochugaru (2 Tbsp), brown sugar (1 Tbsp), vinegar (2 Tbsp), salt (0.5 Tbsp), fish sauce (1 Tbsp), minced garlic (1 Tbsp – even though it’s already added, it’s listed in the full seasoning mix), sesame oil (1 Tbsp), and toasted sesame seeds (approx. 0.8 Tbsp).
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands to ensure the seasoning coats the radish matchsticks evenly. Be careful not to knead too vigorously, as this can release too much water from the radish. Aim for a light, even coating. Mix thoroughly until the chili flakes are evenly distributed.
Step 6
Finally, taste the Musaengchae and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If it’s not salty enough, add a pinch more salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If it needs more tang, add a splash of vinegar. Mix once more, and your delicious Musaengchae is ready!
