Summer Delight! Crispy Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae) for Bibimbap & Side Dish
Refreshing Summer Radish Salad Recipe!
Perfect for when you lose your appetite! This crispy and cool radish salad made with summer radishes is not only a wonderful side dish but also a fantastic ingredient for bibimbap when mixed with spicy and sweet seasoning. Make it easily and enjoy it with your whole family.
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 medium radish
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5 stalks green onions
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (saeu-jeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re making ‘Mu Saengchae’, a special dish perfect for summer! This seasoned radish salad is delicious as a simple side dish, but it becomes absolutely spectacular when used as a topping for bibimbap (mixed rice). It’s truly a rice-thief!
Step 2
Prepare about 1/4 of a medium-sized summer radish, washed thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, julienne the radish into thin, uniform strips. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the radish strips and let them sit for about 10 minutes to lightly pickle. This step helps the radish become crisper and removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to penetrate better.
Step 3
After salting, do not rinse the radish strips. Rinsing will wash away the flavor. Simply squeeze out any excess water gently with your hands, or drain them in a sieve. Place the prepared radish strips into a mixing bowl.
Step 4
Now it’s time to season the radish. Add 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the bowl with the radish. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
Step 5
Next, for a savory depth of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of salted shrimp (saeu-jeot) and 1/2 tablespoon of anchovy sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot). Also, add 1 tablespoon of sugar for a pleasant sweetness. Finely chopped green onions (about 5 stalks) will add color and a fresh aroma.
Step 6
With all the seasoning ingredients in the bowl, it’s time to mix everything together with your hands. Gently but thoroughly massage the seasoning into the radish strips, ensuring an even coating. Mix until the red pepper flakes create a beautiful color throughout the radish.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds generously for a nutty aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle toss to complete your delicious Mu Saengchae.
Step 8
Your flavorful summer Mu Saengchae salad is now complete! Its crisp texture and spicy-sweet taste make it a fantastic side dish on its own. However, if you place it over warm rice and mix it all up, you’ll have the most amazing bibimbap. Make it now and enjoy a wonderful meal!
