Exquisite Radish Steak: A Root Vegetable Delight
Tired of the usual braised radish? Why not try a special Radish Steak that’s both light and flavorful?
Here’s a slightly more special way to prepare radish: Radish Steak. This dish offers a unique texture and a rich, savory flavor profile that transforms humble radish into a culinary star.
Ingredients- 200ml lukewarm water
- 1 sheet kombu (5x5cm)
- 200g radish, cut into thick rounds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp vinegar
- A pinch of bonito flakes (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the 5x5cm piece of kombu in 200ml of lukewarm water for about 20 minutes. This will create a flavorful kombu dashi broth, which forms the savory base for our radish steak.
Step 2
Wash the radish thoroughly and cut it into thick, round slices, approximately 1.5cm thick, without peeling. Keeping the skin on can add a subtle earthy flavor and texture. Ensure the slices are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
Step 3
Place the sliced radish and the prepared kombu dashi broth into a pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer over the lowest heat setting. Cooking slowly on low heat allows the radish to become tender and absorb the flavors deeply.
Step 4
To ensure the radish cooks evenly and absorbs the broth beautifully, carefully flip the radish slices halfway through the cooking process. This prevents any side from overcooking or burning and helps the marinade penetrate evenly.
Step 5
Once the kombu dashi has reduced to about one-third of its original volume and the radish is tender, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp of sugar, and 0.5 Tbsp of vinegar. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the radish beautifully, creating a glossy finish.
Step 6
When the sauce has reached a nice glaze and the radish is beautifully coated, carefully transfer the radish steaks to a serving plate. Serving them warm will help maintain their delicious temperature.
Step 7
Finally, garnish the radish steaks with a pinch of bonito flakes. Watch as they ‘dance’ from the heat, adding visual appeal and a subtle smoky aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. Enjoy your delightful Radish Steak!
