Craving a comforting yet incredibly quick and easy meal? Look no further than this delightful Daikon Radish and Chikuwa Stew! This simple Japanese-inspired recipe is ready in just five minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a flavorful and healthy meal on the table in a flash. The delicate sweetness of daikon radish perfectly complements the slightly chewy texture of chikuwa (Japanese fish cake), creating a surprisingly satisfying and umami-rich broth. With minimal ingredients and even less cleanup, this recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone short on time but big on flavor.
This recipe requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and a single pot, minimizing both preparation time and washing up. The result is a light yet deeply satisfying stew that's both nutritious and delicious. Ready to dive into this incredibly simple yet flavorful dish? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Daikon radish
- Chikuwa
- Ginger
- Salt
- Soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Vegetables and Chikuwa
- Cut the daikon radish into roughly 1cm long pieces. Cutting it thinly helps it cook faster. The goal is to retain a soft texture.
- Cut the chikuwa in half lengthwise, then diagonally into 3 roughly equal parts. This increases the surface area for better flavor absorption.
Step 2. Stir-fry Daikon and Season
- Heat a frying pan using the water drop method. Add rice oil (or any cooking oil).
- Add the daikon radish to the hot pan and immediately add salt, stir-frying until slightly browned (about 2-3 minutes). Stir-frying first helps it cook faster and allows seasonings to penetrate better.
- Add ginger (optional, but recommended). Stir-fry briefly.
Step 3. Simmer the Stew
- Add water and soy sauce. Add chikuwa. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Check if the daikon radish is soft. If not, continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes. Mix well.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Add bonito flakes for extra umami)
Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Adding salt to the daikon radish before stir-frying helps the flavor penetrate better and aids in quicker cooking.
- Stir-frying the daikon radish first before adding water and soy sauce enhances its flavor and texture.
- The chikuwa adds a surprising amount of umami to the dish, making the addition of bonito flakes optional.
- This stew is delicious both hot and cold, making it great for meal prep or bento boxes.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables in this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients. Just add them during the last minute of cooking.
2. What can I substitute for chikuwa?
If you can't find chikuwa, you can substitute it with other fish cakes, firm tofu, or even cooked chicken for a similar texture and protein boost.
This quick and easy Daikon Radish and Chikuwa Stew is the perfect solution for a weeknight meal that's both delicious and satisfying. Its simple preparation and minimal ingredients make it a go-to recipe for busy individuals or families. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful stew, and don't hesitate to experiment with different additions to personalize it to your taste!