Make authentic Korean-style Musaengchae or spicy radish salad

Make authentic Korean-style Musaengchae or spicy radish salad

An easy side dish, it can be a quick substitute for kimchi and is delicious when added to Bibimbap

Last updated:
Mi-Jung Hong, Special to Gulf News
Cuisine:Korean
Cook time:10m
Prep time:15m
Servings:3 to 4

Ingredients

400 gms white radish

2 spring onions

2 tbsp Korean chili powder or Gochugaru (available in Korean grocery stores) or substitute with equal quantity of Kashmiri red chilli powder

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp fish sauce (or substitute with 1 tbsp fine sea salt)

2 tbsp white sugar

2 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Method

​First, wash and clean the white radish (peel the skin only if you think it's necessary). ​​​​​​

Now, using a mandolin or knife, julienne the radish into thin strips of 0.2cms width and 7 to 8cms length.

Place the julienned radish in a large mixing bowl.

Chop the spring onions into small pieces, about 0.5cm long. Use both the green and white parts.

Using your hands, mix all the ingredients, except the spring onions. It's advisable to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Taste and add more salt or fish sauce, if necessary. If you think the salad is too spicy, add some sugar gradually to balance out the heat.

Finally, add the chopped spring onion and toss well.

Chef Mi-Jung Hong
Chef Mi-Jung Hong
Chef Mi-Jung Hong
Mi-Jung Hong, is currently the manager of the Korean Cultural Center in the UAE. She studied Culinary Arts in a Korean university and holds a national qualified Korean license for cooking. Hong has previously worked as a chef five-star hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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