Burdock Root Stir-Fried Recipe & Video

Burdock Root Stir-Fried Recipe & Video

Burdock root may not be the most common vegetable in your kitchen, but trust me, it’s worth the introduction! This nutrient-rich root is packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any meal. In this recipe, we’ll stir-fry burdock root in a sweet and savory soy sauce mix, transforming it into a perfect Banchan, Korean side dish. Let’s dive into how easy it is to cook with burdock root!

What is Burdock Root?

Burdock root is a long, slender root vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is also called “Gobo” in Japanese. It may look a little intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite easy to prepare. With a crunchy texture and mild, earthy flavor, burdock root becomes absolutely delicious when stir-fried or braised. Plus, it’s super healthy! Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, burdock root supports digestion and boosts your immune system. You can easily find it at your local Asian grocery store.

Stir-Fried Burdock Root

Ingredients 

• 1 lime, lemon, or 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 burdock roots (approximately 1.2 lbs)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or cooking oil (I use half and half)
• 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Prep the Burdock Root:

In a large mixing bowl, add 7-8 cups of water and squeeze in lime or lemon juice, or use vinegar. This helps prevent browning.

Scrub the burdock roots with a clean scrubbing sponge to remove dirt. Cut the cleaned burdock into 3-inch julienne strips. You can use a knife or a julienne peeler to make it easier. Soak the burdock in the lime water while you prepare the sauce.

This is the Julienne peeler I used. Tap the picture if you’re interested to get one!

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, mirin, sugar, honey, black pepper, and minced ginger. Set aside.

Cook the Burdock Root:

Drain and rinse the burdock under cold water.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil, and swirl to coat the pan. Add the drained burdock and stir-fry for about a minute. Then, pour in the sauce mixture and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and fully coats the burdock, stirring occasionally.

Finish and Serve:

Once the sauce has reduced and the burdock is fully coated, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Health Benefits of Burdock

Burdock root isn’t just tasty. It’s loaded with health benefits! It’s high in fiber, which helps with digestion and supports gut health. The antioxidants in burdock root also help protect your body from harmful free radicals, keeping your immune system strong. Incorporating burdock root into your diet can improve overall health, making this stir-fried dish a nutritious addition to your meals. Burdock that is too thick or too thin doesn’t taste as good. When choosing burdock, pick ones that are firm with a smooth surface and no blemishes. Keep this in mind when picking out at the store! 😊

How to Enjoy It

I love adding stir-fried burdock root to kimbap or bibimbap. It also pairs beautifully with nurungji (scorched rice) or porridge for a comforting, balanced meal. Try it as a side dish, or mix it into your favorite Korean dishes for extra flavor and texture. It’s super versatile!

There You Have It!

Burdock is a healthy ingredient to add to your meals. It’s full of nutrients and can make dishes like kimbap or bibimbap even tastier. This easy stir-fried burdock root recipe is a great way to try it out. Give it a go, and enjoy this delicious and healthy side dish! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out!

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