Simmered Daikon with Sesame
Sweet, Savory and Nutty Daikon Dish Ready in Just 10 Minutes
Winter brings with it a cornucopia of seasonal delights, and among them, daikon is one of the kings of winter vegetables. Its sweet, juicy flesh and mild spiciness set it apart from other radishes, making it a beloved ingredient in various cuisines. Let’s explore a simple yet incredibly delicious daikon dish that combines the delightful flavors of sweetness, saltiness, and nuttiness.
RECIPE
Servings: 4-5
Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
1 pc small size daikon
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp mirin
2-3 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
Prepare the Daikon: Start by peeling the daikon and cutting it into quarter-round slices, about 1/4 inch thick. This shape allows the daikon to absorb the flavors while keeping its texture.
Sauté the Daikon: Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle in some sesame oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the daikon slices in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and develop a light golden color.
Simmer with Seasoning: Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mirin. Stir gently to ensure each slice is coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the daikon simmer for 5-7 minutes. This step allows the daikon to absorb the savory-sweet flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful.
Add Ground Sesame: While the daikon is simmering, take 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds and grind them using a mortar and pestle, releasing their nutty aroma. Once the daikon is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, sprinkle the ground sesame over the top and stir gently to combine.
Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the simmered daikon to a serving dish. Garnish with a few extra sesame seeds for presentation and enjoy this flavorful, comforting side dish!
My Memory of Daikon: As a child, one of my memories during winter was visiting my grandma's yard and helping her pick fresh daikons. We would carefully wash and scrub off the dirt, revealing their shiny, clean white surfaces. While daikon is commonly used in hot pot dishes, my grandma also prepared it through stir-frying and simmering, creating a savory alternative to savor this versatile vegetable.
