Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between takuan and danmuji? ›

Most often takuan is eaten as a snack or as one of many side dishes eaten alongside a main meal. It is also found in sushi rolls like oshinko-maki which is sushi rice rolled with takuan and wrapped with seaweed. In Korean, it's called danmuji and is a necessary ingredient for making kimbap (Korean sushi rolls).

According to an article(by Chelsea Debret) on onegreenplanet.org, pickled radish has “wonderful health benefits” on improving digestive system health, managing healthy weight, reducing inflammation, boosting immune system, and fighting against depression and anxiety.

It tastes sweet and sour and has a really nice, crispy texture. Look for it in the refrigerated section of Korean and Japanese grocery stores. It's sold in airtight plastic packages, either cut into strips or whole, with enough pickling liquid to keep it moist. It's easy to recognize because of its bright yellow color.

The white, square, crunchy food commonly served as a side with Korean fried chicken is called "pickled radish" or "danmuji" in Korean. It's a type of yellow pickled radish that's slightly sweet and tangy, providing a contrast to the savory and spicy flavors of the fried chicken.

In fact, the Korean radish is shorter and rounder than the daikon, it has a green neck, its texture is denser and its taste is slightly more pronounced than that of the daikon which has a relatively mild flavour.

In South Korea, pickled yellow radish slices are served when eating jajangmyeon, a black noodle dish. The round cylinder-shaped pickled radish is cut in half lengthwise and served thinly sliced. Simply put, it is half-moon shaped. Sprinkle with vinegar to enhance the sour taste.

Korean Radishes (Korean Mu)

An excellent substitute for daikon radish, Korean radishes are often used in Korean cuisine, offering a similar taste and crunch.

Takuan is called danmuji (단무지) in Korea. Danmuji is a common banchan (side dish) served with bunsik (light meal or snack), as well as with Korean Chinese dishes.

Danmuji is pickled daikon radish, and is a key ingredient in kimbap as well as a garnish to a variety of dishes, including Korean porridge. With a unique tangy flavor, pickled daikon radish adds complexity, texture, and a nutritional boost to any meal.

They are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. That being said, it is worth noting that the pickling process does use a lot of salt and sugar. It is important to keep this in mind and, just like everything else, eat pickled radishes in moderation.

Does Korean pickled radish need to be refrigerated? ›

Takuan (or Danmuji in Korean) — the yellow pickled daikon you mention — is generally prepared to be stored at the room temperature, so it should only be put in the fridge once opened, to protect it from the airborne bacteria: it's traditionally stored right in the pickling crock it was prepared in, in its own brine, ...

Danmuji is an essential ingredient in Gimbap (Korean rice roll wrapped in seaweed sheet). It is usually served as Banchan with noodle dishes like Jjajangmyeon (noodles with black beans) or meat dishes. The fresh, cool, crunchy and sharp vinegary flavor helps cut through the taste of fatty food in particular.

Serve immediately or put it in the fridge to serve later cold! Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and are good for one week.

Danmuji is Korean pickled radish. It's most commonly eaten inside kimbap (which is a Korean rice roll wrapped with nori), and as a side dish for noodle dishes like jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles).

Daikon radishes can grow up to 20 inches long and are mostly white, although some varieties like the Korean mu have light green coloring near their leaves. Red radishes tend to be spicier, max out at about two inches in diameter, and are more commonly consumed in Western cuisines.

Korean name

Korean radishes are generally short, stout, and sturdy, and have a pale green shade halfway down from the top. They also have a strong flavour, dense flesh and soft leaves. The greens of Korean radishes are called mucheong (무청) and are used as a vegetable in various dishes.

Daikon Varieties

Although daikon and red radish belong to the same family, there are a few differences. White radish is elongated, slightly sweet, juicier, and mild-flavored, whereas red radish is much smaller, round-shaped, and sharper in flavor.