Chewy & Savory Braised Burdock Root
Master the Deliciously Chewy and Sweet-Savory Braised Burdock Root!
Burdock root, a fibrous root vegetable rich in dietary fiber! Burdock can be enjoyed in various ways to reap its health benefits. It’s often used as a filling for kimbap, and can also be prepared as braised dishes, pickles, tea, or healthy snacks. This versatile ingredient is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor.
Main Ingredients- Burdock root 200g
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for preparing burdock)
- 1 cup water (for preparing burdock)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, brush off any dirt from the burdock root and wash it thoroughly under running water. Then, use a peeler or the back of a knife to thinly peel the skin. Peeling the skin well helps reduce any slight bitterness of the burdock and enhances its tender texture.
Step 2
Cut the peeled burdock root into 3-4 pieces. Then, slice it into uniform strips about 0.5cm thick. You can julienne it vertically or slice it lengthwise into flat strips according to your preference. Slicing them to a similar thickness ensures even cooking, leading to a more delicious braised dish.
Step 3
Immediately place the sliced burdock strips into a bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Soaking for about 10 minutes will help remove its astringency and prevent browning, resulting in a cleaner taste.
Step 4
After about 10 minutes, rinse the burdock strips under running water to remove the vinegar. Drain them well in a colander. To ensure they are properly dried before stir-frying, you can gently press them with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which also helps prevent oil splattering.
Step 5
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the drained burdock strips and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until some of their moisture evaporates and they begin to soften slightly. This step helps the burdock become chewier and absorb marinades better.
Step 6
Once the burdock is lightly stir-fried, add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 350ml of water. Gently toss to combine everything, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 7
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce coats the burdock evenly and to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
Step 8
After about 10 minutes, remove the lid and check if the burdock is sufficiently reduced. When there is still some sauce remaining, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup or rice syrup for a glossy finish and stir well. This adds depth of flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
Step 9
Finally, transfer the braised burdock root to a serving dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and an appealing presentation. Your delicious ‘Chewy & Savory Braised Burdock Root’ is now ready! It’s even chewier and tastier when allowed to cool slightly before serving.
