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Mu Saengchae (Korean Spicy Radish Salad) with Kohlrabi

Mu Saengchae (Korean Spicy Radish Salad) is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that balances spice, tang, and natural sweetness. Traditionally made with Korean radish (mu), it’s a staple in Korean home cooking. But if you can’t find Korean radish, try using kohlrabi! It has a crisp texture and mild sweetness that makes it a perfect substitute. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, grilled meats, or even bibimbap.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Course: Banchan, Kimchi
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Keyword: Banchan, Namul
Servings: 2 people

Equipment

  • 1 salad bowl
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  • 250 g Korean radish (mu) or kohlrabi, julienned ½ lb.
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder)
  • ½ tablespoon anchovy sauce ½ tsp salt for a vegan version
  • ½ tablespoon vinegar apple cider, rice, white, or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional for extra sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Julienne the kohlrabi or radish into thin strips.
  • Mix in gochugaru first and toss well to coat evenly.
  • Season with anchovy sauce (or salt), vinegar, sugar, green onion, and garlic. Mix everything together.
  • Finish with sesame seeds and give it one final toss.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

🥢Tip: Tastes best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.