Sweet & Savory Braised Burdock Root and Peanuts
Easy Homemade Side Dish: Braised Burdock Root and Peanuts
A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors! This braised peanut dish is made even more interesting with the addition of burdock root and walnuts, making each bite a delightful discovery. It’s incredibly quick to make, ready in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying side dish. Perfect for everyday meals and lunchboxes!
Main Ingredients
- 230g roasted peanuts
- 100g prepared burdock root
- 50g walnuts
- 2 Tbsp brown rice oil (or cooking oil)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Braising Sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligodang) (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 70ml kelp broth (or water)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligodang) (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 70ml kelp broth (or water)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Scrape off the skin of the burdock root using the back of a knife. This helps to reduce any bitterness and the slightly tough texture of the peel.
Step 2
Wash the peeled burdock root thoroughly under running water. Then, slice it in half diagonally into pieces approximately 0.3cm thick. Slicing it this way ensures an attractive presentation and allows the sauce to penetrate better.
Step 3
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and the prepared burdock root. Blanch for just 2 minutes over high heat. This quick blanching helps to maintain the burdock’s crisp texture and remove any grassy flavor.
Step 4
Drain the blanched burdock root using a sieve. Ensure all excess water is removed. You can gently pat it dry with a paper towel if needed, as any remaining water can dilute the final dish.
Step 5
Heat 2 tablespoons of brown rice oil in a preheated frying pan over medium heat. Add the roasted peanuts and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Lightly toasting the peanuts further enhances their nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 6
Once the peanuts are fragrant, add the drained burdock root to the pan. Continue to stir-fry together for another minute. This allows the burdock and peanuts to get coated in the oil, building up delicious flavor.
Step 7
Now, add all the braising sauce ingredients (soy sauce, corn syrup, sugar, and kelp broth) to the pan. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the burdock and peanuts with a glossy sheen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8
During the last minute of cooking, stir in the walnuts, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything quickly until well combined. The addition of sesame oil and seeds adds a wonderful nutty fragrance to finish. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving this delicious braised burdock root and peanut dish!
