Stir-fried and Simmered Daikon
Sweet, Savory, and Nutty Stir-Fried and Simmered Daikon (15-Minute Side Dish Recipe)
When winter arrives in Japan, daikon radish takes center stage. This crisp, juicy root vegetable is a true star of the season—mild in flavor, slightly peppery, and incredibly versatile. Whether simmered in soups or pickled as a side, daikon brings comfort and warmth to the table.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite quick and easy daikon recipes: Stir-Fried and Simmered Daikon with Soy and Sesame. It’s sweet, savory, and nutty, ready in just 15 minutes, and pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice or grilled fish.
Why You’ll Love This Daikon Recipe
Quick and easy: Only 15 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor-packed: A perfect balance of sweet soy and toasted sesame.
Kid-friendly: Mild, tender, and slightly sweet—great for family meals.
Perfect for winter: Highlights the natural sweetness of in-season daikon.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 pc small size daikon (2 cups cut daikon)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp mirin
4 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
Prepare the Daikon:
Start by peeling the daikon and cutting it into quarter-round slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
This shape allows the daikon to absorb the flavors while keeping its texture.
Sauté the Daikon:
Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle in some sesame oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the daikon slices in a single layer.
Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and develop a light golden color.
Simmer with Seasoning:
Next, pour in sugar, soy sauce, and mirin.
Stir gently to ensure each slice is coated with the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and let the daikon simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add Ground Sesame:
While the daikon is simmering, grind sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle, releasing their nutty aroma.
Once the daikon is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, sprinkle the ground sesame over the top and stir gently to combine.
Serve:
Remove from heat and transfer the simmered daikon to a serving dish.
Garnish with a few extra sesame seeds for presentation and enjoy this flavorful, comforting side dish!
My Kitchen Tool:
perfect for grinding sesame seeds and more
Personal Note - My Memory of Daikon - As a child, one of my memories during winter was visiting my grandma's yard and helping her pick fresh daikons. We would carefully wash and scrub off the dirt, revealing their shiny, clean white surfaces. While daikon is commonly used in hot pot dishes, my grandma also prepared it through stir-frying and simmering, creating a savory alternative to savor this versatile vegetable.
