Korean-Inspired Daikon Salad with Sweet and Spicy Dressing
This delightful Korean-inspired salad features fresh, crisp daikon radish tossed in a vibrant, sweet, spicy, and tangy dressing. While not a traditional kimchi, the flavors evoke the delicious fermented radish kimchi found throughout Korea, making it a beloved staple in our home. The combination of crunchy radish, aromatic garlic, and fragrant green onions creates a refreshing side dish perfect for complementing rich entrees like Galbi (Korean short ribs). Enjoy this salad chilled, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to fit your palate. Over the years, we've made countless variations, and I encourage you to taste and tweak the ingredients as you go to make this unique to your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Daikon radish
1 lb (peeled and cut into thin strips)
Red pepper powder
1/2 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (for sweetness)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for flavor enhancement)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Green onions
2 (finely chopped)
White vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for tanginess)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the daikon radish and cutting it into ultra-thin strips. For best results, use a Japanese mandolin with a medium shred blade to achieve uniform thickness.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, add the sliced radish and sprinkle with red pepper powder. Toss gently to coat the radish evenly with the spice.
3
Next, add the sugar, salt, chopped green onions, and minced garlic to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Drizzle the white vinegar over the radish mixture and stir well to integrate all the flavors.
5
Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. After a brief period, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed; you might want to add more vinegar or sugar based on the natural sweetness of the radish.
6
Once satisfied with the flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. This dish can be enjoyed right away or after chilling, as the flavors continue to develop.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean-Inspired Daikon Salad?
It is a fresh, crisp salad featuring daikon radish tossed in a vibrant, sweet, spicy, and tangy dressing inspired by Korean flavors.
Is this recipe for traditional kimchi?
No, while the flavors evoke fermented radish kimchi, this is a fresh salad rather than a fermented traditional kimchi.
What is the main vegetable used?
The main ingredient is one pound of daikon radish.
How should the daikon radish be prepared?
The radish should be peeled and cut into ultra-thin strips.
What tool is recommended for slicing the radish?
A Japanese mandolin with a medium shred blade is recommended for achieving uniform thickness.
What makes the salad spicy?
The spiciness comes from a half-tablespoon of red pepper powder and two chopped garlic cloves.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of sugar to provide sweetness.
What type of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies one and a half tablespoons of white vinegar for tanginess.
How much salt is needed for this dish?
You should use one teaspoon of salt for flavor enhancement.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires two garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Are green onions included in the salad?
Yes, two finely chopped green onions are mixed in for aroma and flavor.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is peeling the daikon and cutting it into ultra-thin strips.
When do I add the red pepper powder?
Add it to the sliced radish in a medium mixing bowl and toss gently before adding other seasonings.
Do I need to let the salad sit before eating?
Yes, allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, you are encouraged to taste and tweak the sugar or vinegar levels based on your personal preference.
Should the salad be served cold?
The salad should be refrigerated and served chilled for the best flavor.
What entrees pair well with this salad?
It is a perfect side dish for rich entrees like Galbi, which are Korean short ribs.
Can the salad be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and refrigerated, as the flavors continue to develop over time.
What is the texture of the daikon salad?
The salad is crunchy and refreshing due to the raw, thin strips of radish.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it a convenient side dish.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The primary flavors are sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the purpose of white vinegar in this recipe?
White vinegar provides the necessary tanginess to balance the sweet and spicy elements.
Can I customize this salad?
Yes, the recipe suggests experimenting with variations and tweaking ingredients to suit your taste buds.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be finely chopped or minced.
What should I do if the radish isn't sweet enough?
You can add more sugar or vinegar to balance the natural flavor of the radish.
Is the radish cooked in this recipe?
No, the radish is used raw to maintain its crispness.
What type of bowl is recommended for mixing?
A medium mixing bowl is used to toss the radish and dressing ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are all plant-based and spice-focused.
How do you ensure the radish strips are uniform?
Using a mandolin with a medium shred blade ensures all strips are the same thickness.