Chewy and Delicious Braised Burdock Root
The Ultimate Chewy Braised Burdock Root Recipe: A Perfect Side Dish
While preparing burdock root can be a bit time-consuming, the homemade version is leagues ahead of store-bought in terms of flavor. Its glossy sheen and delightful chewiness make it an irresistible side dish that beckons you for more. Follow along slowly to create this exceptional braised burdock root.
Ingredients- 800g burdock root
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 4 Tbsp perilla oil
- 4 Tbsp brown rice oil (or grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cooking sake (mirin)
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the burdock root. You can peel it using a peeler or a knife. Since the skin contains nutrients, you don’t need to peel it completely; just remove any tough outer layers.
Step 2
Use the back of your knife to scrape off the skin, then julienne the burdock root into thin, bite-sized strips. Soak the julienned burdock in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 20 minutes to remove any dirt and bitterness.
Step 3
After soaking, rinse the prepared burdock root two to three times under cold running water to thoroughly remove any remaining dirt. Drain well. This step is crucial for eliminating any earthy taste.
Step 4
While the burdock is soaking, let’s prepare the braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water, 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 cup of cooking sake, and 4 tablespoons of corn syrup. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 5
Heat a wide pan or wok over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of perilla oil and 4 tablespoons of brown rice oil. While brown rice oil adds a nutty flavor, feel free to substitute with grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.
Step 6
Once the oil is warm, add the prepared burdock root to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry the burdock continuously. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes until it softens slightly.
Step 7
When the burdock is about halfway cooked and looks slightly translucent, pour in all of the prepared braising sauce. After adding the sauce, swirl about 1 cup of water in the sauce bowl to rinse out any remaining sauce, then pour this into the pan with the burdock. Stir everything together well.
Step 8
Once the sauce begins to reduce and become syrupy, increase the heat back to high. Continue to stir-fry the burdock until the sauce is thick and coats the roots beautifully, giving them a glossy sheen. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for garnish. Your delicious braised burdock root is now complete!
Step 9
Making chewy and delicious braised burdock root isn’t difficult, is it? It’s amazing how such a flavorful dish can be made with such simple ingredients. It’s perfect as a filling for kimbap or as a hearty side dish for lunchboxes. Since we’ve shared this easy recipe, why not make some tasty banchan to solve your meal prep dilemmas?
