Sesame Korean Radish Sauté is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings a little bit of Korea into your kitchen. This dish features thinly sliced radishes, stir-fried with sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for a savory taste. The sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor, while the radishes remain crunchy yet tender, offering the perfect balance of textures. Sesame Korean Radish Sauté is a wonderful side dish to pair with rice, grilled meats, or even as a light snack on its own. Once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Simple Ingredients
The ingredients for Sesame Korean Radish Sauté are simple, but they come together to create a beautiful dish. All you need is fresh Korean radish, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and a little bit of sugar to enhance the flavors. The radish should be sliced thinly so it can cook quickly and evenly. The sesame oil is the star of the dish, giving it that signature flavor. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to get cooking!
Easy Steps to Cook
To make Sesame Korean Radish Sauté, first heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, toss in the sliced radishes and stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender but still have a slight crunch. Add soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors, and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a finishing touch, and your Sesame Korean Radish Sauté is ready to serve!
Simple, Healthy, and Delicious
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, Sesame Korean Radish Sauté is a quick, healthy option for any meal. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients, making it a go-to for anyone seeking lighter, wholesome dishes. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation for its simplicity and irresistible taste.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Sesame Korean Radish Sauté
- Slicing the Radish: To achieve evenly cooked radish, use a mandoline slicer for consistent matchstick sizes. If you don’t have one, carefully slice the radish with a chef’s knife. The thinner the slices, the quicker they’ll cook.
- Adjusting the Salt: Start with a smaller amount of salt, especially if you’re using soy sauce, as soy sauce adds saltiness. Taste before adding more seasoning to prevent oversalting.
- Simmering the Radish: Simmer the radish on medium-low heat for a few minutes after sautéing to allow the flavors to meld and the radish to soften. This step is key to achieving that tender texture while maintaining some crispness.
- Oil Choices: While toasted sesame oil is traditional and gives that signature nutty flavor, you can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil if sesame oil isn’t available. To replicate the flavor, you can add a few toasted sesame seeds at the end.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or even basil can bring a fresh contrast.
- Texture Contrast: If you like more texture in your dish, don’t overcook the radish. The radish should retain some bite but soften enough to absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
- Serving Variations: This dish makes a great addition to a larger Korean meal spread as a side dish (banchan), but you can also serve it over rice, grilled meats, or in wraps for a complete meal.
Sesame Korean Radish Sauté
4
15
minutes10
minutes70
kcal25
minutesDiscover the vibrant flavors of Korea with this easy Sesame Korean Radish Sauté! Packed with crisp radish, aromatic sesame oil, and a hint of garlic, this delightful side dish is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. Quick to prepare and irresistibly flavorful, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Elevate your cooking with these fresh ingredients and bring a touch of Korean cuisine to your kitchen today!
Ingredients
- Garnish
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Produce:
1 pound mu Korean radish, thinly sliced into matchsticks
1 scallion finely sliced
- Aromatics:
1 teaspoon garlic minced
- Oils:
1 tablespoon cooking oil vegetable or canola
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- Seasonings:
2 teaspoons soy sauce soup soy sauce, optional
Salt to your preference begin with 1/4 teaspoon if using soy sauce, otherwise 1/2 teaspoon
- Alternative Ingredients:
Vegetable oil: Substitute with olive oil or canola oil for a different flavor profile.
Soup soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
Salt: Replace with low-sodium soy sauce or omit if using soy sauce.
Minced garlic: Garlic powder or freshly grated shallots can be used in place of minced garlic.
Scallion: Green onions are a suitable substitute for scallions.
Sesame oil: If unavailable substitute with additional vegetable oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for flavor.
Directions
- Preparation – 5 minutes – Start by thoroughly washing the Korean radish. If the skin is thick or rough, peel it using a vegetable peeler; otherwise, leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Once cleaned, slice the radish into thin matchstick pieces, using a mandoline for uniformity if available.
- Cooking Radish – 5 minutes – Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce the radish sticks to the pan. If desired, add the soup soy sauce and sprinkle with salt to enhance the flavor.
- Sautéing – 5 minutes – Stir the radish continuously to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the radish begins to soften and turn translucent. The stirring helps prevent sticking and promotes uniform texture.
- Simmering – 3 minutes – Pour in 1/4 cup of water, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the radish simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until they achieve your preferred level of tenderness. This step helps the radish absorb the seasoning flavors.
- Seasoning and Finishing – 2 minutes – Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if needed. Just before removing from heat, add the chopped scallion, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Give everything a final stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Serving – Immediate – Transfer the sautéed radish to a serving dish while warm. This side dish pairs perfectly with rice, grilled meats, or as part of a larger Korean meal spread. Enjoy the delicate balance of flavors and textures! *Optional:* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- mandoline slicer
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 70kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Sesame Korean Radish Sauté
Can I use a different type of radish if I can’t find Korean radish?
Yes, daikon radish or regular red radish are good substitutes. While the texture might differ slightly, they will still absorb the seasonings well and work perfectly in this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture. However, you can prepare the radish and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before sautéing. Just be sure to warm it up before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add sliced carrots or zucchini for additional color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is evenly cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing the radish. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegan and dairy-free. Make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you need a gluten-free option.
