17 Japanese Simmered Daikon Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and balanced use of ingredients. One dish that exemplifies this is the simmered daikon, a traditional Japanese recipe that has stood the test of time. This dish consists of tender, juicy daikon radish simmered in a flavorful broth, resulting in a comforting and nourishing meal. In this article, we will dive deeper into the history and cultural significance of this dish, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
Japanese Simmered Daikon with Bok Choy and Edamame
Main Ingredients: Daikon Radish, Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Water
One of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine is the simmered daikon, a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The daikon, or Japanese radish, is simmered in a savory broth along with bok choy and edamame, creating a delicious and nutritious meal. This dish is not only easy to make, but it is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your health. Plus, the combination of the daikon, bok choy, and edamame makes for a colorful and visually appealing dish that will impress your guests.
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Grilled Miso-Glazed Sea Bass with Japanese Cucumber...
Main Ingredients: Sea Bass Fillets, Glaze, Hothouse Cucumber, Daikon
For a more elevated and elegant dish, try making grilled miso-glazed sea bass with a side of Japanese cucumber salad. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a date night at home. The miso glaze adds a rich and savory flavor to the delicate sea bass, while the Japanese cucumber salad provides a refreshing and light contrast. This combination of flavors and textures will surely leave your taste buds satisfied and wanting more.
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Tentsuyu (Tempura Dipping Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Daikon
No Japanese meal is complete without a tasty dipping sauce, and tentsuyu is a must-try for any tempura lover. This simple yet flavorful dipping sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi broth, and it pairs perfectly with any type of tempura, from vegetables to seafood. The addition of grated daikon and ginger adds a refreshing kick to the sauce, making it a delicious accompaniment to any tempura dish.
If you're in the mood for a comforting and hearty breakfast, try making a Japanese-style omelette. This omelette is made with a combination of eggs, dashi broth, and soy sauce, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It is also commonly filled with vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and spinach, making it a nutritious and filling meal. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a satisfying brunch dish, this Japanese omelette is a must-try.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
For a fun and creative twist on traditional sushi, try making a sushi burrito. This dish combines the convenience of a burrito with the flavors of sushi, making it a perfect on-the-go meal. The filling can be customized to your liking, but some popular combinations include tuna, avocado, and cucumber, or crab, mango, and cream cheese. Wrap it all up in a sheet of nori and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will surely impress your friends and family.
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Japanese Pot Roast
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Ground Pepper, Flour, Olive Oil
If you're craving a hearty and comforting meal, look no further than a Japanese-style pot roast. This dish is made with beef chuck, which is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with a side of rice and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, and it is sure to warm your heart and soul.
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Japanese Instant Pickle
Main Ingredients: Daikon Radish, Carrots, English Cucumber, Chili Paste
Instant pickle, or "tsukemono," is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or condiment. These pickles are made by quickly marinating vegetables in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, resulting in a tangy and crunchy pickle that can be enjoyed with any meal. Popular vegetables used for instant pickles include cucumbers, carrots, and daikon, and they are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your dishes.
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Japanese Clear Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Seaweed, Daikon Radish
This clear mushroom soup is a common appetizer in Japanese restaurants, and it is often served before meals to stimulate the appetite. The light and delicate broth is made with dashi broth and soy sauce, and it is filled with mushrooms and tofu, making it a nutritious and satisfying start to any meal. Plus, the addition of green onions and seaweed adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
For a refreshing and healthy side dish, try making a Japanese spinach salad. This salad is made with blanched spinach, which is then dressed in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. The result is a simple yet flavorful salad that pairs well with any Japanese dish. You can also add other toppings such as sesame seeds, sliced cucumbers, or shredded carrots for some extra texture and flavor.
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Japanese Salisbury Steak
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ginger, Garlic Clove, Soy Sauce, Sake
For a cozy and comforting meal, try making a Japanese-style Salisbury steak. This dish is made with a combination of ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and it is served with a rich and savory gravy made with soy sauce and sake. The addition of grated daikon and ginger to the gravy adds a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress. Serve it with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Japanese potato salad is a staple in many Japanese households and is often served as a side dish or bento box filling. This potato salad is made with a combination of potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and Japanese mayonnaise, giving it a creamy and tangy flavor. The result is a delicious and satisfying salad that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion.
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Japanese Hamburgers (Hanbaga)
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Red Onion, Daikon Radish, Ginger
If you're in the mood for a classic burger with a Japanese twist, try making Japanese hamburgers, also known as "hanbaga." These burgers are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and seasonings, and they are served with a tangy and sweet sauce made with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. The addition of grated daikon and ginger to the sauce adds a unique and delicious flavor that sets these burgers apart from the traditional American-style ones.
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Japanese Inspired Pot Roast
Main Ingredients: Rump Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a flavorful and unique pot roast recipe, try making a Japanese-inspired one. This pot roast is made with a combination of beef chuck, dashi broth, and soy sauce, and it is slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that pairs well with a side of rice and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner.
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Dashi Tamagoyaki – Japanese Style Omelet
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Broth, Soy Sauce, Scallions, Vegetable Oil
Dashi tamagoyaki, or Japanese-style omelet, is a popular breakfast dish in Japan and is often enjoyed with a bowl of rice and miso soup. This omelet is made with a combination of eggs, dashi broth, and soy sauce, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It is also commonly filled with vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and spinach, making it a nutritious and filling meal to start your day.
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Japanese Vegetable Soup (Kenchinjiru)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Carrot, Daikon, Pie, Shimeji Mushrooms
If you're in the mood for a hearty and flavorful soup, try making kenchinjiru, a Japanese vegetable soup. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables such as daikon, carrots, and spinach, along with tofu and noodles, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The broth is made with dashi broth and soy sauce, giving it a savory and umami flavor. This soup is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.
Dashimaki tamago, or Japanese rolled omelette, is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as a side dish or in bento boxes. This omelette is made by rolling together layers of thin egg crepes, which are flavored with dashi broth and soy sauce. The result is a light and fluffy omelette with a delicate and savory flavor. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.
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Japanese Duck à l’Orange
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Mizuna, Duck Breasts, Salt, Vegetable Oil
If you're looking for a fancy and impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, try making Japanese duck à l'orange. This dish combines the French classic with Japanese flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious dish. The duck is cooked in a savory and sweet orange sauce made with soy sauce and sake, and it is served with a side of sautéed vegetables. Your guests will surely be impressed by this fusion dish.
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Ozoni (Japanese New Year’s Mochi Soup)
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Carrots, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cakes
Ozoni, also known as Japanese New Year's mochi soup, is a traditional dish served during the New Year's holiday in Japan. This soup is made with a clear broth, vegetables, and pieces of soft and chewy mochi, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The ingredients used in this soup can vary by region, but some popular ones include carrots, daikon, and shiitake mushrooms. This soup is not only delicious, but it is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Carrot, Table Salt, Kombu, Sushi Vinegar
This simple and refreshing salad is a staple in many Japanese households and is often served as a side dish or in bento boxes. The daikon and carrot are thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet salad with a crunchy texture. This salad is perfect for hot summer days or when you're in need of a light and healthy side dish.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
Eggplant tempura is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as an appetizer or side dish. This dish is made by coating eggplant slices in a light and crispy batter made with flour, egg, and cold water, and then deep-frying them until golden brown. The eggplant tempura is then served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi broth. The result is a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect for snacking on or enjoying as part of a meal.
The History and Cultural Significance of Simmered Daikon
Origins of the Dish
The simmered daikon dish, also known as 'daikon no nimono', has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868) and was commonly served as a side dish in traditional Japanese meals. The dish gained popularity due to its simple preparation and use of readily available ingredients.
Cultural Significance
In Japanese culture, daikon is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, making it a popular ingredient in celebratory meals. The simmered daikon dish is often served during special occasions such as New Year's celebrations, weddings, and other important ceremonies. It is also a common comfort food, often served to those recovering from illness or during the colder months.
How to Make Simmered Daikon
Ingredients
To make simmered daikon, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 large daikon radish
- 2 cups dashi (Japanese soup stock)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Peel the daikon and cut it into thick slices.
2. In a large pot, add the dashi, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the daikon slices to the pot and lower the heat to a simmer.
4. Place a lid on the pot and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the daikon is tender.
5. Once the daikon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside.
6. Increase the heat and let the remaining broth in the pot reduce until it thickens.
7. Add the daikon back to the pot and coat it with the thickened broth.
8. Serve the simmered daikon in a bowl and garnish with chopped green onions.
Enjoy the Simplicity and Delicacy of Simmered Daikon
Simmered daikon is a dish that embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine – simple yet flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition and culture. By following this recipe, you can recreate this delicious dish at home and experience the harmonious balance of flavors that Japanese cuisine is known for.
Now that you have learned about the history, cultural significance, and simple steps to make simmered daikon, it's time to give it a try. Impress your friends and family with this traditional Japanese dish and indulge in its comforting and nourishing flavors.
Japanese Simmered Daikon with Bok Choy and Edamame
