Have you seen those long white daikon radishes in Asian grocery stores and wondered what to do with them? Look no further! I’m leading with daikon kimchi, as one of my favorites, but here are 16 other delicious daikon recipes for you to try as well.
Daikon radishes, also known as mooli, or winter radishes are a long, white root vegetable, common in Japan and many other Asian countries. They have a mild, sweet, peppery taste and a wonderful crunchy bite. Often used raw in salads due to their crisp and juicy texture, you can also cook with them. Cooked daikon radishes have a soft and starchy texture, a little like potatoes, although the flavor remains true.
They are common enough that you can often find them in mainstream supermarkets, but if you’re having trouble tracking one down, your local Asian grocery store will be sure to have them.
The Benefits of Daikon
As well as simply tasting great, daikon is also associated with a number of health benefits. Like most vegetables, it’s relatively low in calories and high in fiber, but daikon is also known as being:
- A good source of vitamin C, an anti oxidant that boosts the immune system.
- Rich in phytochemicals and sulforaphane, which have shown potential in preventing various types of cancer.
- A diuretic that supports kidney health and helps eliminate toxins from the body.
- A good source of calcium, which promotes bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- A digestive aid, with the high fiber helping to alleviate some gut conditions.
Now you know how good it is for you, let’s jump into the recipes so you know how to cook daikon to make it taste its best.
1. Daikon Kimchi
The most delicious spicy sour daikon kimchi! If you love regular cabbage kimchi, you’ll adore this.
Recipe by: Maang Chi
2. Boiled Daikon Radish
This simple recipe gives the best way to taste daikon radish in its purest, most simple form. A versatile side dish for meat or fish.
Recipe by: The Woks of Life
3. Sweet and Savory Simmered Daikon
A classic Japanese recipe, simmering daikon in dashi stock and soy sauce.
Recipe by: Plant Based Matters
4. Pickled Daikon
This quick pickle is ready to eat in less than 2 hours. Pickled vegetables are a classic palate cleanser in Japan, or use as a condiment in sandwiches.
Recipe by: Just One Cookbook
5. Daikon Slaw
This crunchy daikon salad is so quick and easy, with delicate spice and heat from garlic vinagrette and chili flakes.
Recipe by: Plating and Pairing
6. Roasted Spicy Daikon Fries
Do you remember my Taro Fries? If you loved those, you’ll love these too! Fresh ginger and chili paste, and a delicious, caramelised crust.
Recipe by: Cooking On The Weekends
7. Charred Daikon Radish Soup
Beautiful colors, and an even better flavor. Charring the daikon radishes adds a wonderful caramelization to the taste and makes the soup really interesting.
Recipe by: Justine Snacks
8. Pork Belly Stir Fry
Make turnip cake using daikon radish, then add it to this Singaporean stir fry for a great celebration meal.
Recipe by: Matt Tebbutt for the BBC
9. Daikon Curry
Daikon radish is a staple of India, where it is known as mooli. This recipe uses classic Indian dried spices to enhance the sweet peppery flavor.
Recipe by: Smita Chandra for Saveur
10. Daikon Flat Breads
A really interesting way to use mooli, by grating it and adding to the dough of an classic Indian paratha flat bread.
Recipe by: Chef De Home
11. Chinese-style Braised Daikon
Daikon radish is slow-braised until tender, with just a little seasoning, in this Chinese recipe.
Recipe by: Cook Like Asian
12. Daikon Radish Salad
Ready to eat in less than 10 minutes, this fresh and crunchy salad is light and spicy, with Korean red pepper flakes.
Recipe by: My Korean Kitchen
13. Five-Spice Short Rib and Daikon Soup
Sweet and juicy daikon pairs wonderfully with the slow-cooked beef short-rib. Chinese five spice adds the perfect finishing note.
Recipe by: Jessie Yuchen for Bon Appetit
14. Sautéed Daikon Radish
Daikon radish is julienned into thin strips, then sautéed in a hot pan, with the bare minimum of seasoning – just a little ginger and soy.
Recipe by: Kitchen Coup
15. Daikon “Rice”
You know how you can use minced cauliflower as a low-carb replacement for rice? Turns out you can do exactly the same with daikon radishes.
Recipe by: Inspiralized
16. Simmered Daikon with Chicken
Daikon radish is used in this chicken stew recipe as a replacement for potatoes, for a tasty and low-carb winter dish.
Recipe by: I Heart Umami
17. Daikon Radish Steaks
This clever little recipe uses daikon in a completely different way. The radish is thickly sliced and grilled, like steak, and served with mushrooms.
Recipe by: Forager Chef
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