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    Home » All Recipes » Asian Recipes

    Spicy Korean Radish Salad | Musaengchae

    Published: Feb 6, 2020 · Modified: Feb 7, 2020 by Jamie · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

    4.6K shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Spicy Korean radish salad

    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!

    spicy Korean radish salad in a white bowl

    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.

    spicy Korean radish salad in a small white bowl

    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.

    spicy Korean daikon radish salad in a small white bowl

    How to Make Spicy Korean Radish Salad

    Korean radish on a marble board

    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.

    shredded Korean daikon radish

    Add the julienne radish to a large bowl along with Korean red pepper flakes, sugar, garlic, vinegar, salt, and scallions.

    ingredients for daikon radish salad in a glass bowl

    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.

    daikon radish salad in a small white bowl, musaengchae

    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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    spicy Korean radish salad in a white bowl

    Spicy Korean Radish Salad | Musaengchae

    This spicy Korean radish salad is a quick & easy healthy Korean side dish made with shredded daikon radish & Korean pepper flakes. Ready in 15 minutes!
    5 from 79 votes
    Pin Share Print
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Asian, Korean
    Servings 6

    Equipment

    • Mandoline Slicer

    ☑ 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 738mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and give it a 5 star rating! Tag @drivemehungry to show off your creations! I love seeing your photos!

    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.

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    4.6K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Caroline Kim

      June 22, 2021 at 11:44 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe. I love Korean food, especially kimchi. This looks amazingly good. Although, can I use any kind of vinegar? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jamie

        June 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Ally

      May 27, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      This was spot on! The dressing was just the right amount of spice. Made a great side dish with my rice.

      Reply
    3. Linda

      March 15, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    4. Raquel

      February 15, 2021 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for this wonderful and easy way to enjoy Korean radish!

      Reply
    5. Dennis

      January 05, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      This Spicy Korean Radish Salad is perfectly delicious!

      Reply
    6. Michelle

      December 13, 2020 at 8:46 am

      Could I make this with regular red American radish? Can’t find Korean radish or daikon.

      Reply
      • Jamie

        February 08, 2021 at 1:12 am

        Absolutely! Feel free to use American red radish.

        Reply
    7. Jo

      October 27, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    8. Lara

      September 27, 2020 at 5:49 pm

      Do you use white or brown sugar?

      Reply
      • Jamie

        September 30, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        Hi Lara, you can use either brown or white sugar. Both are good for this recipe. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Dani P.

      August 21, 2020 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Jamie

        August 25, 2020 at 3:00 am

        Thanks Dani! It's one of my favorite Korean side dishes too! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Alex

      May 26, 2020 at 1:12 am

      5 stars
      This was such a delicious new way for me to enjoy radish - I love it! Spicy food is my absolute favourite 🙂

      Reply
    11. Jessica Robinson

      February 07, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      Such great flavors in this healthy radish side dish! I love the crunch and how refreshing it is!

      Reply
    12. Anita

      February 06, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      This radish salad is super easy and delicious. And I think the taste becomes more flavorful as it sits longer. 🙂

      Reply
    13. Andrea Metlika

      February 06, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      This spicy radish salad is such a perfect Korean side dish. I really love all the flavors in this.

      Reply
    14. Madison

      February 06, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    15. Krissy Allori

      February 06, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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