Discover: Daikon Radish

Feb 1, 2023 by Chef David

By Chef David

The daikon radish (also called a white winter radish) popular in Asian cooking is a big root vegetable that resembles a fat white carrot. The daikon is larger and milder than its cousin, the traditional red radishes.

The entire daikon is eatable, flesh and greens, and can be served either raw or cooked.  Once cooked, the daikon becomes mellow and tender. Its leaves have a peppery flavor that turns slightly milder when cooked.

Daikon radish is a nutritious, low-calorie cruciferous vegetable, rich in folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and fiber.  A 7-inch radish that weighs about 12 ounces contains 61 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. It provides 124% DV of vitamin C, 24% DV of folate (B9), 9% DV of calcium, 14% DV of magnesium, 22% DV of potassium, and 19% DV of copper.

Buying and Storage

Daikon radishes are most commonly sold in the spring and fall. I discovered them at a local farmer’s market, but local Asian markets offer a large selection.

When choosing your daikon radish, look for one which has a firm body with tight skin, without cuts or dark soft spots. You can buy daikon radishes with or without leaves.

If you buy your daikon radishes with leaves, store both parts separately.  The leaves can last up to three days refrigerated, while the body of the daikon can last in the refrigerator for two weeks wrapped in a plastic bag.  The radish should be stored unwashed and whole. As radishes age, the tastes get stronger and the flesh gets tougher.

Uses and Recipes

Raw daikon adds a nutritious crunch to salad or crudité. They can be prepared in many ways, adding flavor to a stir fry, or roasting them to bring out their natural sweetness.

To roast, slice the daikon into thin rounds, toss in olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.

Daikons are a healthy way to add flavor and color to your meals.

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Daikon Radish Recipes (for a quick side dish)

Spicy Daikon Radish Salad  adapted from Bon Appetit

Ingredients

• 1 Daikon radish sliced into narrow strips
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil (we used Eden Foods)
• 1 Tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar (we used Eden Foods brown rice vinegar)
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Chili Crisp (we used Mr. Bing)
• Black and White sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1. Wash the radish, cut the radish into strips, and place in a large bowl
   2. Combine the remaining ingredients, mix together, and let it sit for 30 minutes
   3. Serve and enjoy!

Boiled Daikon (adapted from Woks of Life)

Ingredients

• 1 daikon radish
• 1 slice ginger
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• ¼ teaspoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper (a large pinch)
• 1 scallion (garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil (we used Eden Foods toasted sesame oil)

Instructions

1. 1. Cut the daikon into bite-sized pieces
   2. In a pot, combine ginger, water, soy sauce, maple syrup, ground white pepper, and the daikon.
   3. Cover and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the daikon is fork tender, stirring occasionally.
   4. Before serving add the sesame oil and scallions.