10 Identic Korean Radish Substitutes

Thinking about finding a Korean radish substitute? Daikon radish, watermelon radish, and red radish are only some of the possible substitutes for Korean radish. In general, root vegetables that belong to the radish family are always a good choice, and this article will show you which ones to use in recipes that require Korean radish.

Korean radish is a variety of white radish with a firm and crunchy texture. It has a relatively mild flavor and can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient for various cooked dishes.

Korean Radish Substitute

1. Daikon radish

This radish is also known as Japanese radish, and it has a sweet and spicy flavor and a crunchy texture. It tends to soften when cooked, and it is one of the best Korean radish substitutes.

2. Turnip

Turnips can also be either eaten raw or used in cooked dishes such as soups and stews. They have a similar flavor to Korean radish, only a bit milder. This makes them a great Korean radish substitute for meals that don’t require strong flavors.

3. Watermelon radish

Watermelon radish has a distinctive pink color, and it has a sweet but peppery flavor. Unlike other radishes, the watermelon radish becomes mellower as it matures.

4. Red radish

Red radishes tend to have a really strong flavor. Slightly sweet, peppery, and sharp, red radish will soften and develop a more subtle flavor when cooked.

5. Jicama

Also known as Mexican Turnip, Mexican Potato, and Yam Bean. This vegetable has a mild and sweet flavor, with a hint of nutty flavor. Its texture is crunchy, and it is a good replacement for Korean radish.

6. Parsnip

A root vegetable that’s related to carrots and parsley. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that turns sweeter during the cooking process. It is usually used in stews, soups, and casseroles.

7. Cabbage hearts

To reach the cabbage heart, cut off all of the outer leaves until you are left only with a cabbage core, also known as a cabbage heart. Cabbage heart has a mild, radish-like flavor and can be used as a replacement for Korean radish.

8. Horseradish root

Best known as a condiment used for hot dogs and hamburgers, horseradish root, has a strong spicy flavor that becomes more bitter when exposed to the air for long. Great for meat and vegetable dishes, sauces, and salad dressings.

9. Beetroot

A red-colored root vegetable with a sweet and earthy flavor. It can be eaten raw, pickled, boiled, baked, fried, and grilled.

10. Carrot

Carrots also have a sweet and earthy flavor and can be a good substitute for Korean radish for recipes where you don’t need strong flavor.

Korean Radish Substitute For Soup

A white turnip is a good substitute for Korean radish when you are making a soup. White turnips have a similar taste, texture, and appearance as Korean radishes, and they will give a nice flavor to every soup or stew.

Korean Radish Substitute UK

Daikon radish is usually the most common Korean radish substitute in the UK. It can be found in most Asian markets or other grocery stores.

Replacement For Korean Radish

Some other vegetables that can replace the Korean radish are napa cabbage, parsnip, and even cucumbers.

Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage widely used in East Asian cuisines. Also known as Chinese cabbage, it has a mild and sweet flavor.
Cucumbers are one of the most favorite vegetables because of their crunchy texture and refreshing taste. They can be used as a substitute for fresh Korean radish in salads and other side dishes.

Korean Radish Substitute For Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made of salted and fermented root vegetables such as Korean radish and napa cabbage. Those vegetables are seasoned with spices like gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal.

Instead of Korean radish, you can use Daikon radish to make kimchi. Daikon radish taste is similar to Korean radish flavor, which makes it a great substitute.

What Is Korean Radish Called

Korean radish is also called Mu, Muwoo, or Mu Korean radish.

What Is The Difference Between Korean Radish And Normal Radish?

When compared to a “normal” western radish, Korean radish is much longer and bigger. Korean radish is sweeter and less spicy than regular radish.

Is Korean Radish Same As Daikon Radish?

Korean and Daikon radishes are often confused with each other, but they are not the same, although they are very similar. Daikon radish flavor is a bit milder, and Daikon radish texture is slightly different than the texture of Korean radish.

What Can I Substitute For Daikon Radish In Kimchi?

Daikon is another popular choice for making kimchi. The best substitute for Daikon radish is Korean radish, but if you have neither of them, you can substitute Daikon radish with a white turnip. White turnips help with a fermentation process, which makes them a good Daikon radish substitute for making kimchi, but keep in mind that they have a milder taste than the Daikon flavor.

Another great Daikon radish replacement in kimchi is parsnip, a vegetable with a mild and sweet-like flavor. You can try other Daikon radish substitutes, such as white turnip, beetroot, horseradish root, etc.

Can I Make Kimchi Without Radish?

Although kimchi is traditionally made with radish (Korean, Daikon), you can make it without radish. Instead, you can use cabbage, parsnip, carrots, or beetroot.

Summary

Now you know which vegetable could be a good Korean radish substitute. The best choice by far is Daikon radish, but you can also use other root vegetables, such as turnip, watermelon radish, red radish, jicama, horseradish, and many others.