This spicy Korean radish salad (Musaengchae) is a quick & easy healthy Korean side dish made with shredded daikon radish & Korean pepper flakes. Ready in 15 minutes!
This spicy Korean radish salad is one of my favorite quick and easy Korean side dishes to make. It's so crunchy and refreshing and makes a perfect side dish to a Korean meal!
I like to serve this spicy Korean radish side dish with heavier entrees that have a lot of meat or oil since it lightens up the meal and the raw daikon radish adds a lot of crunch.
What does Korean radish taste like?
Korean radish, also known as mu (무), has a peppery taste similar to other radishes but with a hint of sweetness. It has a crunchy texture and is full of fiber and vitamins.
Though it's different from a daikon radish, the texture and flavors are very similar to each other. You can substitute either for this recipe, though you will get a stronger radish flavor if using Korean radish.
How to Eat Korean radish
Korean radish can be prepared and eaten in variety of ways - fermented to make radish kimchi, braised in stews, added to soups, or eaten raw in a salad.
How to Make Spicy Korean Radish Salad
Start by washing and peeling your radish. Then using a sharp knife or a mandoline, julienne the radish by slicing them into thin, narrow strips.
Add the julienne radish to a large bowl along with Korean red pepper flakes, sugar, garlic, vinegar, salt, and scallions.
Mix all the ingredients together until the radish strips are entirely coated with the dressing. This Korean radish side dish can be eaten immediately but it tastes better after letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. As the radish side dish sits in the fridge, it will continue to release more of its juices so expect to see more liquid the longer it sits.
Common Questions:
How/Where to Buy Korean radish?
They can be found in any Korean or Asian grocery store in the produce section. Look for one that has a smooth, blemish free surface without any cracks. It should feel heavy for its size. They can be a light green color starting at the tops to halfway down the length of the radish.
What is the difference between daikon and Korean radish?
Daikon and Korean radish are slightly different but with similar flavors and texture. Daikon is longer and more narrow whereas a Korean radish is shorter and more wide.
You can certainly substitute daikon for Korean radish in this recipe. It would still be delicious!
I hope you enjoy this spicy Korean radish salad! Leave a comment or questions below!
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Recipe
Spicy Korean Radish Salad | Musaengchae
Equipment
☑ Ingredients
- 5 cups Korean radish, julienned
- 2 stalks scallions
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 - 2 Tablespoon Korean red pepper flakes - depending on your spice preference
- ⅔ Tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoon fish sauce - can substitute with soy sauce or extra salt
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic - minced
Instructions
- Wash and peel the radish. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, julienne the radish and add them to a large bowl.
- Add in the ingredients for the dressing and massage it into the julienned radish until it's well combined. Adjust for seasoning and serve.
✎ Recipe Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The longer it sits, the more juices will be released from the radish.
- You can substitute daikon for Korean radish in this recipe.
- Choosing a Korean radish:
- Pick one that has a smooth, blemish free surface without any cracks. It should feel heavy for its size. They can be a light green color starting at the tops going halfway down the radish.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.
Caroline Kim
Wonderful recipe. I love Korean food, especially kimchi. This looks amazingly good. Although, can I use any kind of vinegar? Thank you!
Jamie
Thank you so much Caroline! You can use any vinegar as long as it's not dark as that would alter the color. Rice wine vinegar, apple cider, and white balsamic are great options.
Ally
This was spot on! The dressing was just the right amount of spice. Made a great side dish with my rice.
Linda
I love Korean banchan and been enjoying this with bibimbap or grilled meat. Love the crunchy texture and refreshing flavor in each bite. I've been enjoying this more at home!
Raquel
Thanks for this wonderful and easy way to enjoy Korean radish!
Dennis
This Spicy Korean Radish Salad is perfectly delicious!
Michelle
Could I make this with regular red American radish? Can’t find Korean radish or daikon.
Jamie
Absolutely! Feel free to use American red radish.
Jo
I made this using daikon, and it was so good. The flavours - WOW! So good, and so simple. The chili definitely adds something special to the dish, so I highly recommend using that!
Lara
Do you use white or brown sugar?
Jamie
Hi Lara, you can use either brown or white sugar. Both are good for this recipe. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Dani P.
I haven't made this yet, but I know just by reading the ingredients that it'll be good. My mouth is watering just thinking about making this. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Now I can have one of my favorite Korean restaurant side dishes any time I want.
Jamie
Thanks Dani! It's one of my favorite Korean side dishes too! 🙂
Alex
This was such a delicious new way for me to enjoy radish - I love it! Spicy food is my absolute favourite 🙂
Jessica Robinson
Such great flavors in this healthy radish side dish! I love the crunch and how refreshing it is!
Anita
This radish salad is super easy and delicious. And I think the taste becomes more flavorful as it sits longer. 🙂
Andrea Metlika
This spicy radish salad is such a perfect Korean side dish. I really love all the flavors in this.
Madison
Ooh this was so wonderful! I love spicy foods and kimchi is one of my favorites so I knew I would love this. definitely need to make this again:D
Krissy Allori
My oh my, this is just like the side dish we get at Korean restaurants. My husband loves this and was so happy when I made it for him.