Daikon

Description:

Daikon is a large, white, radish commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and crunchy texture, making it versatile in salads, pickles, stir-fries, and soups. Often grated or sliced, daikon can be enjoyed raw or cooked. It adds a refreshing crispness to dishes and pairs well with flavours like soy sauce, sesame, and ginger.

Health Benefits From Eating Daikon:

Low-calorie root vegetable, offers several health benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Good source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and supports healthy skin.
2. Digestive Health: It contains enzymes like amylase, which aid in breaking down starches and promoting digestion.
3. Detoxifies the Body: Helps in detoxifying the liver and promoting healthy digestion due to its high water and fibre content.
4. Anti-inflammatory: The antioxidants in daikon help reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Hydration: Due to its high water content, it also helps keep the body hydrated.

Calories (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4.1g
• Fibre: 1.6g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g

How to prepare your Daikon

Start by rinsing it under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel the skin with a vegetable peeler or knife, especially if it’s tough. You can then slice, julienne, or grate depending on your recipe. It can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, or cooked in soups, stir-fries, or stews for a mild, crunchy texture.

Here’s a simple recipe for Pickled Daikon:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and sliced into thin rounds or strips
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1-2 slices of fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavour)

Instructions:

1. Peel the daikon and cut it into thin rounds or matchstick-like strips. You can also use a slicer for even slices.
2. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and optional ginger slices. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Bring it to a simmer, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Place the daikon slices in a jar or airtight container. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Once the pickling liquid has cooled, pour it over the daikon in the jar, ensuring the daikon is fully submerged.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. The pickled daikon will last up to a week in the fridge.

Enjoy your homemade pickled daikon as a tangy, crunchy side dish or as a topping for sushi, sandwiches, or salads!

Here’s a delicious Chinese-style Braised Daikon recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium daikon, peeled and cut into thick slices or rounds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Daikon: Peel the daikon and slice it into thick rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Daikon: Add the sliced daikon to the pan and stir to coat it in the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the daikon begins to soften slightly.
4. Add Sauces and Broth: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Simmer: Cover the pan and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the daikon becomes tender and has absorbed the flavours. Add a bit more broth or water if needed to keep the daikon from drying out.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the daikon is soft and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the rice vinegar and white pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve the braised daikon with steamed rice or as part of a larger Chinese meal.

Enjoy this savoury, tender dish that is full of flavour and pairs perfectly with other Chinese entrees!