Forget everything you thought you knew about radishes. This isn't your grandma's spring salad ingredient. We're diving into a surprisingly savory and satisfying dish: meat-wrapped radish. This Japanese-inspired recipe elevates the humble radish to a culinary star, transforming its peppery bite into a delightful complement to tender, flavorful meat. Imagine succulent pork belly or ground beef, carefully wrapped around crisp-tender daikon radish slices, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
The contrast between the juicy meat and the slightly spicy radish is simply irresistible. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready to experience the magic of meat-wrapped radish? Let's jump into the step-by-step process to create this unforgettable dish.
Tools Needed
- frying pan
- heat-resistant plate
- microwave
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Sauce
- Peel and cut the daikon radish into 1.5cm wide pieces, then cut into 4 equal parts lengthwise. Cut these into bar shapes to make a total of 16 pieces.
- While the radish is heating, cut the sliced cheese into 16 pieces.
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger. Mix well to dissolve the sugar completely.
Step 2. Cook the Daikon and Assemble the Rolls
- Arrange the radish pieces on a heat-resistant plate, leaving some space between each. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for 5 minutes (or 10-20 seconds for plastic wrap only).
- Remove the radish from the microwave after 5 minutes. Remove excess water.
- Let the radish cool to a touchable temperature.
- Cut the pork belly into appropriately sized pieces. Place a piece of meat, then a radish piece and a cheese slice on top.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper, then coat it with flour. Roll up the meat tightly, tucking in the ends.
- Repeat for all radish pieces. Sprinkle flour on the rolled meat to help it stick together and prevent the meat from falling off.
Step 3. Sear and Simmer the Rolls
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Place the rolled radish with the end facing down in the pan and cook over medium heat until browned on all sides, flipping as needed. This will take approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat rolls and mix until combined.
Step 4. Serve
- Garnish with white sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Cut the radish into 1.5cm wide pieces for even cooking.
- Microwaving the radish shortens cooking time.
- Let the radish cool slightly before wrapping to prevent the meat from falling off.
- Be careful when rolling cheese, as oil may splatter.
- Sprinkle flour on the meat to aid in sticking and to prevent peeling during rolling. Roll tightly!
- Start cooking from the end of the roll. Brown all sides of the roll thoroughly. If concerned about doneness, steam after browning.
- Simmer with the sauce for a richer flavour.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat besides pork?
Yes! Beef, chicken, or even ground turkey would work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have daikon radish? Can I substitute?
While daikon is ideal, other large, firm radishes could work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
3. How do I store leftover daikon radish pork rolls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
This Daikon Radish Pork Roll recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, proving that simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the radish paired with the richness of the pork; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you.