Crispy and Delicious Braised Burdock Root Strips
Burdock Root Stir-fry: A Nutritious and Beloved Side Dish
Burdock root strips, with their delightful crunch and savory-sweet glaze, are a favorite banchan (side dish) for everyone. They are so incredibly delicious that the entire batch disappeared in one meal! I’ll definitely need to make a larger portion next time. This recipe is perfect for creating a tasty and healthy side dish using nutrient-rich burdock.
Main Ingredients- Burdock root, julienned: 304g (prepared weight)
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy sauce for braising: 5 Tbsp
- Cooking sake (Mirin): 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- Sugar: 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup (or rice syrup): 5 Tbsp
- Water: 50ml
- Olive oil: 3 Tbsp
- Soy sauce for braising: 5 Tbsp
- Cooking sake (Mirin): 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- Sugar: 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup (or rice syrup): 5 Tbsp
- Water: 50ml
- Olive oil: 3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the julienned burdock root into bite-sized pieces. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the prepared burdock, and include 1 tablespoon of vinegar. (Adding vinegar helps to soften the tough texture of the burdock, reducing cooking time and enhancing its crispiness.) After boiling for about 1 minute once the water is boiling again, immediately rinse the burdock under cold water and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the prepared burdock root strips and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Lightly stir-frying at this stage helps to remove any earthy smell from the burdock and adds depth of flavor.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cooking sake, and 50ml of water to the pan with the burdock. Gently stir and mix with a spatula to ensure the burdock strips are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful to control the heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 4
As the sauce reduces and thickens, you’ll notice it becoming glossy. At this point, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup. Continue to simmer for a little longer. When the sauce is rich, glossy, and coats the burdock strips lightly, turn off the heat.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds (toasted or whole) as desired. This adds a nutty flavor and aroma, making the dish even more delicious. Serve this wonderful side dish over warm rice!
