Musaengchae (Korean Spicy Radish Salad)
User Reviews
4.6
Musaengchae (Korean Spicy Radish Salad)
Description
This Musaengchae recipe transforms Korean radish, also called mu, into a spicy, tangy salad. The radish is cleaned, peeled if needed, and cut into thin matchsticks. Salting the radish and letting it rest draws out liquid and softens the texture while concentrating the radish's flavor. After draining the excess moisture, the radish is mixed with gochugaru chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, and sugar to balance heat, savory, and sweetness.
The combination of fresh radish and the spice from Korean chili flakes creates a crunchy salad with a bright flavor. The fish sauce adds umami depth typical in Korean side dishes. Chopped scallions and optional sesame seeds are added last to bring a fresh and toasted element to the salad.
Musaengchae can be served as a banchan (Korean side dish) accompanying main dishes, rice, or barbecue. Its crisp texture and spicy notes add contrast and complexity to a meal. The amount of chili flakes and sugar can be adjusted to personal taste to control heat and sweetness levels.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Korean radish aka mu
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 or 2 scallions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Korean red chili pepper flakes adjust to taste, gochugaru
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce myulchi aekjeot or saeujeot (salted shrimp
- 1 teaspoon sugar adjust to taste - see note
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Clean the radish by scrubbing with a brush and/or scratching off the stubborn impurities with a small knife. Peel the skin only if necessary. Cut into matchsticks (about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick).
- Sprinkle the salt over the radish and toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for about 20 minutes until the radish has softened and released some liquid. Drain excess liquid. Do not rinse.
- Add all the remaining ingredients, except the scallion and sesame seeds. Mix well by hand. Taste and add more salt or fish sauce, if necessary.
- Throw in the scallion and sesame seeds and toss everything well.
Notes
- As alternatives to sugar, corn syrup, oligodang, or Korean plum extract (maesil cheong) can be used to sweeten the salad.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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