Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (2024)

Do you enjoy that pickled radish in your favorite Japanese or Korean restaurant?

I bet you will be surprised by how easy it is to make authentic Korean pickled radish at home!

With this recipe, everyone will be able to make these golden yellow, healthy, crunchy, and refreshing radish pickles within 45 minutes!

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (1)

Is Danmuji GOOD for You?

Korean Pickled radish, also known as “Danmuji”, is tasty, nutrient-rich, and rich in probiotic microorganisms.

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.

Similar to pickled radish, traditional homemade kimchi also has all these benefits to your body!

Check out my Kimchi Recipe by clicking the picture below ->

The yellow coloring of danmuji

Kimbap is one of Mr He’s favorite Korean snack. He especially loves these yellow pickled radish cubes in kimbaps.

However, I have always been hesitating to order Korean pickled radishes in restaurants, thinking that they are artificially colored.

Recently, I surprisingly learned that the bright yellow coloring of Korean pickled radish was from cape jasmine seeds, not artificial food dyes!

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (3)

Omg, I should have known this information earlier! I have missed so many chances to enjoy delicious kimbaps!

But if you buy danmuji from grocery stores or order from restaurants, still, they are very likely artificially colored.

Luckily, we can easily make very natural, healthy, and authentically delicious Korean pickled radish at home within 45 minutes! And you can easily find all the ingredients you need in your local stores.

I know that cape jasmine seeds could be hard to find in US stores. Here I have a perfect substitute for you:Turmeric powder.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (4)

Turmeric powder and cape jasmine seeds both work perfectly as healthy natural food dyes. Feel free to use either of them, you won’t be able to taste the difference of the finished pickled radishes.

What can you do with Korean Pickled Radish?

Korean pickled radish, with its perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, and a hint of spice, can be a great flavor boosting to any dish.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (5)

You can add it as a refreshing and crunchy topping to your salad, slice it to garnish your ramen noodles, or simply eat it as a low-calorie healthy side dish.

If you enjoy Korean side dishes, you will also like this recipe:

Check out my – Sweet and Spicy Korean Style Potato

One of the most typical Korean food made with danmuji could be kimbap (or gimbap). You can easily make some at home with a leftover chip tube.

This picture below is a portal to my kimbap recipe ->

How to Make – Korean Pickled Radish

EQUIPMENT

  • 1 Small Saucepan
Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (7)
  • 2 food storage containers with lids
Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (8)

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Large Daikon radish about 600g
  • 1½ tbsp Salt (1 tbsp for marinating the radish, ½ tbsp for the broth)
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (9)
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1½ cup Water
  • 1cupRice vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A large daikon radish, peel off its skin. Cut the radish crosswise into the length of your container.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (10)

2. Cut the radish lengthwise into ½-inch wide strips.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (11)

3. The radish can also be sliced into half-moon shape thin slices.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (12)

4. Put sliced radish into a large bowl, sprinkle 1 tbsp of salt over the radish. Rub the salt evenly on radish. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

5. In a medium saucepan, add turmeric powder, sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat. Add rice vinegar to the saucepan. Set aside.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (13)

6. After the radish strips and slices have been marinated for 30 minutes, drain, rinse with potable water, squeeze out excess water, put radish strips and slices in clean containers.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (14)

7. Pour the turmeric vinegar mixture over the radish.

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (15)

8. Let it cool down, cover the lid and keep in the fridge overnight before using.Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (16)Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (17)Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (18)

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (19)

9. Homemade picked radish can last in the fridge for up to 1 month.

My other Vegetarian Recipes you will also like:

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji)

Ms Shi and Mr He

Do you enjoy that pickled radish in your favorite Japanese or Korean restaurant? I bet you will be surprised by how easy it is to make authentic Korean pickled radish at home! With this recipe, everyone will be able to make these golden yellow, healthy, crunchy, and refreshing radish pickles within 45 minutes! Ready to make some yummy kimbap with your homemade danmuji? See my next recipe blog!

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Salt Marinating Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Japanese, Korean

Servings 12

Calories 20 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Small saucepan

  • 2 food storage containers with lids

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Daikonradish about 600g
  • tbsp Salt (1 tbsp for marinating the radish, ½ tbsp for the broth)
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • cup Water
  • 1 cup Rice vinegar

Instructions

  • A large daikon radish, peel off its skin. Cut the radish crosswise into the length of your container.

  • Cut the radish lengthwise into ½-inch wide strips.

  • The radish can also be sliced into half-moon shape thin slices.

  • Put sliced radish into a large bowl, sprinkle 1 tbsp of salt over the radish. Rub the salt evenly on radish. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

  • In a small saucepan, add turmeric powder, sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat. Add rice vinegar to the saucepan. Set aside.

  • After the radish strips and slices have been marinated for 30 minutes, drain, rinse with potable water, squeeze out excess water, put radish strips and slices in clean containers.

  • Pour the turmeric vinegar mixture over the radish.

  • Let it cool down, cover the lid and keep in the fridge overnight before using.

  • Homemade picked radish can last in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Video

Keyword Daikon Radish, danmuji, pickled radish, radish, Vegan

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (25)

Korean Pickled Radish (Danmuji) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does danmuji taste like? ›

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.

What is Korean pickled radish made of? ›

Combine sugar, vinegar, kosher salt, and water in a large bowl and mix well until salt and sugar are well dissolved. Add the radish and stir a few times and transfer to an airtight container or a glass jar. Keep in the refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

What do you eat Korean pickled radish with? ›

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.

Does Danmuji 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, ...

Why do Koreans eat pickled radish? ›

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.

Does danmuji go bad? ›

9. Homemade picked radish can last in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Can pickled radish go bad? ›

They can become soft and soggy, with a more dull taste. Homemade pickled radishes last up to six months in the refrigerator, but are best enjoyed within three months. Store-bought pickled radishes might have a similar lifespan, but it's best to consult the label on the jar for storage guidelines.

Why do Koreans eat pickled radish with chicken? ›

The combination of sweet and tangy, salty, sour, and spicy flavors from the pickled radish complements the fried chicken perfectly. Not only does it add flavor to the meal, but it also provides a refreshing crunch that helps to enhance the crispy texture of the fried chicken with a perfect balance.

Why do Koreans eat pickled radish with fried chicken? ›

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.

Can I eat Korean radish raw? ›

Korean radishes can be chopped and tossed into salads, thinly sliced and layered into sandwiches, wrapped into fresh spring rolls, or cut into sticks and served with dips on appetizer platters. The radishes can also be incorporated into cooked preparations, developing a soft and tender consistency.

Is Korean pickled radish healthy? ›

They are packed with nutrients and provide many health benefits. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins, such as vitamins E, A, C, B6 and K. They are also rich in antioxidants. Their high levels of water can help keep you hydrated and keep your skin healthy.

Can I use Korean radish instead of daikon? ›

Korean Radishes (Korean Mu)

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

What do you eat with radish wraps? ›

Pickled radish paper is typically served with grilled Korean BBQ meat, but it can also be served as a side dish with a bowl of rice.

What do you eat pickled daikon with? ›

Ideal for beginners who are new to pickling vegetables. Extremely versatile. Not only does it complement Japanese meals, but the sweet and tangy flavor also goes well with many Asian dishes. You could serve it with a rice meal or even as an accompaniment to your Asian-style pulled pork or meatball sandwiches.

What do you eat with radish kimchi? ›

Kkakdugi is commonly paired with these main dishes: Korean ox bone soup (Seollengtang, 설렁탕), Beef short rib soup (Galbitang, 갈비탕) and Korean knife cut noodles (Kalguksu, 칼국수). I hope you give my radish kimchi recipe a try soon!

What can you do with daikon radish? ›

Try them baked or boiled in stews and soups or in a stir fry. Also try them lightly steamed with olive oil, salt or lemon juice for flavor. Eat 'em Raw. Slice daikon radishes and eat raw with a dip or peanut butter or add shredded raw Daikon radishes to salads.

References

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