Gungjung Radish Namul Stir-fry (Korean Braised Radish)
Gungjung Radish Namul Stir-fry (Korean Braised Radish)
Easy and Simple Gungjung Radish Namul Recipe
Radish namul is a side dish that even young children can enjoy without any hesitation. Try making this healthy and delicious Gungjung Radish Namul at home! It’s a wonderfully flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients- 1 medium Korean radish (mu)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for brining radish)
- 80g green onions (scallions)
- A pinch of salt or soup soy sauce (for seasoning)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for our Gungjung Radish Namul Stir-fry. We have 1 medium Korean radish, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt for brining, 80g of green onions, a pinch of salt or soup soy sauce for seasoning, some toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil for nuttiness, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to enhance the aroma. (Ginger was missed in the photo, but please make sure to have it ready!)
Step 2
First, peel the thoroughly washed radish. Then, slice it into thin strips, about 0.3 cm thick. It’s important to slice them uniformly, as thicker pieces will take longer to cook.
Step 3
To help the radish maintain a slightly firmer texture and to remove excess moisture, we’re going to soak the julienned radish in saltwater. Fill a stainless steel bowl with water and dissolve 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt in it.
Step 4
Add enough water to completely submerge the julienned radish. This step helps to remove any slight bitterness from the radish and contributes to a more delicious final dish.
Step 5
While the radish is brining, finely chop the green onions. You can separate the white and green parts if you prefer, and chop them into small pieces.
Step 6
After letting the radish soak in saltwater for about 30 minutes, drain it well using a colander. Gently press the radish with your hands to remove excess water; squeezing too hard might break the radish pieces.
Step 7
Once the excess water is removed, the radish is ready for stir-frying. Place all the drained radish into a pan. Don’t turn on the heat yet.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan with the radish. The garlic aroma will beautifully complement the radish, adding depth of flavor.
Step 9
Also add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Ginger is excellent for eliminating any unwanted ‘radish’ smell and adds a pleasant warmth.
Step 10
Add a pinch of salt to lightly season the radish. It’s best to start with a small amount and adjust the taste later, as adding too much at once can make it too salty. (You can also use a little soup soy sauce here for seasoning.)
Step 11
Now, gently mix the radish with your hands to ensure the garlic, ginger, and salt are evenly distributed. After mixing, place the pan over low heat and add a little cooking oil.
Step 12
Initially, stir-fry the radish over medium-low heat, being careful to prevent it from sticking to the pan. As you stir-fry, the radish will naturally release its moisture and become tender. Be mindful not to burn it.
Step 13
If the moisture released by the radish isn’t enough for it to cook down tenderly, you can add a little bit of water. This will help the radish steam and become softer. Avoid adding too much water at this stage.
Step 14
Just add enough water to moisten the radish slightly, perhaps around the edges of the pan. About 2-3 tablespoons should be sufficient. We don’t want to make a soup, just provide enough liquid for steaming.
Step 15
Now, cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently over low heat for about 4-5 minutes. This steaming process will make the radish very tender and allow the seasonings to penetrate beautifully.
Step 16
Lift the lid, and you’ll notice that the radish has become quite tender. Now, add the chopped green onions you prepared earlier.
Step 17
Stir everything together again to combine the green onions with the radish and continue to stir-fry briefly. Finally, drizzle in some sesame oil for a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 18
We’re in the final step! Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the namul for added flavor and visual appeal. Crushing the sesame seeds slightly before adding them can release even more of their fragrance.
Step 19
Voilà! Your delicious and nutritious Gungjung Radish Namul Stir-fry is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
