Spicy & Sweet Braised Radish: A Must-Try Autumn Dish
Mastering the Art of Spicy and Sweet Braised Radish with Fall Radishes
Discover the irresistible charm of braised radish, simmered in a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet glaze! This fall radish dish is a true ‘rice thief,’ guaranteed to make your meals more delicious. Let’s create this delightful side dish together!
Key Ingredients for Braised Radish
- 2/3 Korean radish (approx. 500g)
- 1L water (4 cups)
- 1 sheet dried kelp (10x10cm)
- 3 stalks green onion
- 3 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 onion
Magical Spicy-Sweet Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or corn syrup, sugar)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or corn syrup, sugar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin making ‘Spicy & Sweet Braised Radish’ using the beautiful autumn radish! With this recipe, anyone can successfully make delicious braised radish.
Step 2
Autumn radishes are naturally sweet and have a wonderful texture. Wash the radish thoroughly, peel it, and then cut it into thick, generous pieces, about 1.5 to 2cm thick. Cutting them too thinly might cause them to break apart during cooking, so maintaining a good thickness is key.
Step 3
In a wide pot or deep frying pan, arrange the thickly sliced radish pieces attractively. Pour in 1L of water, ensuring the radish pieces are mostly submerged.
Step 4
Add one sheet of dried kelp to enhance the savory depth of the broth. Remember to remove the kelp after 5-10 minutes of boiling to prevent any bitter taste from developing.
Step 5
Cut the 3 stalks of green onion into large pieces, similar in size to the radish or slightly larger. This will add a fragrant aroma and refreshing flavor.
Step 6
Add the prepared green onion to the pot.
Step 7
To bring in the delightful spiciness of this dish, add 3 Korean chili peppers, sliced diagonally or left whole. Feel free to add more if you enjoy a spicier kick.
Step 8
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful sauce. First, measure out 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic.
Step 9
Add 2 Tbsp of anchovy sauce for an extra layer of umami. If you don’t have anchovy sauce, Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) can be used as a substitute.
Step 10
Add 4 Tbsp of regular soy sauce (Jin-ganjang), which forms the base of our braised radish flavor.
Step 11
For a vibrant color and spicy touch, generously add 3 Tbsp of red pepper flakes (Gochugaru).
Step 12
Add 2 Tbsp of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. You can substitute this with corn syrup or sugar, adjusting the amount to your preference.
Step 13
In a separate bowl, combine all the prepared sauce ingredients and mix them well. Pour this delicious sauce over the radish pieces that are already simmering in the pot. Adding the sauce while cooking helps the flavors penetrate the radish beautifully.
Step 14
Finally, thinly slice 1/2 onion and add it to the pot. The natural sweetness and tender texture of the onion will further enrich the overall flavor of the braise.
Step 15
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat for about 20 minutes. Once the liquid starts to reduce and the radish becomes slightly translucent, lower the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Braising for a total of about 40 minutes allows the flavors to deeply infuse into the radish, creating a rich taste. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the radish from burning.
Step 16
Transfer the beautifully braised radish to a serving dish. The sight of steaming, perfectly cooked radish is incredibly appetizing.
Step 17
This savory, spicy, and sweet braised radish is a true ‘rice thief’! It tastes just like the delicious dishes you’d find in a restaurant.
Step 18
The combination of tender radish and the rich, spicy-sweet glaze is simply divine. It’s wonderful served over hot rice or enjoyed as a standalone side dish. Make this crowd-pleasing braised radish and enjoy a fantastic meal with your loved ones!
