Savory Stir-Fried Burdock and Carrot Medley
Delve into the authentic flavors of Japan with this delightful Savory Stir-Fried Burdock and Carrot Medley, inspired by traditional Izakaya cuisine. This dish features tender burdock root (gobo) and vibrant carrots, stir-fried to perfection in a savory-sweet glaze made from dashi, sake, soy sauce, and mirin. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, it offers not only a burst of flavor but also a delightful crunch. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful vegetable medley that is sure to impress your family and friends!
2
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
burdock root
1 (peeled and cut into short, thin strips)
carrots
2 (peeled and cut into short, thin strips)
dashi (or water)
3 tablespoons (liquid)
sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
sake
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
mirin (or 2 tbs sake and 2 tsp sugar)
2 tablespoons (for sweetness and flavor)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully peeling the burdock root and carrots with a vegetable peeler. Cut the burdock root into short, thin strips, about 2-3 inches long. Slice the carrots into similarly thin strips, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
2
To prevent discoloration and maintain crispness, soak the sliced burdock root in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes, then drain well and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the drained burdock root and stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
4
Next, incorporate the carrot strips into the pan and continue to stir-fry both vegetables together for an additional 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
5
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the dashi (or water), sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
6
Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crunchy, about 5-7 more minutes.
7
Once finished, remove from heat and serve hot as a delightful side dish or a healthy appetizer.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Stir-Fried Burdock and Carrot Medley?
This is a traditional Japanese side dish, often served in Izakayas, featuring tender burdock root and carrots stir-fried in a savory-sweet glaze.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are burdock root, carrots, dashi, sugar, sake, soy sauce, mirin, and vegetable oil.
How should I prepare the burdock root?
The burdock root should be peeled and cut into short, thin strips about 2 to 3 inches long.
Why is it necessary to soak the burdock root in water?
Soaking the burdock root for about 5 minutes prevents discoloration and helps maintain its crisp texture.
What can I use if I do not have dashi?
You can substitute dashi with plain water if necessary.
Is this burdock and carrot medley vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like burdock, carrots, and vegetable oil.
Is this dish gluten-free?
While listed as gluten-free in the tags, you must ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to maintain that status.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 2 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are approximately 2 grams of protein per serving.
How should I cut the carrots for this recipe?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced into thin strips similar in size to the burdock root for even cooking.
What temperature should I use for stir-frying?
You should use medium-high heat for the initial stir-fry and then reduce it to medium once adding the liquids.
How long should I stir-fry the burdock root alone?
Stir-fry the drained burdock root for approximately 2 minutes before adding the carrots.
How long do I cook the carrots with the burdock?
Stir-fry the carrots and burdock together for an additional 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
What makes up the savory-sweet glaze?
The glaze is made from a combination of dashi, sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce.
What is a good substitute for mirin?
You can substitute 2 tablespoons of mirin with 2 tablespoons of sake mixed with 2 teaspoons of sugar.
How long does the final simmering process take?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes for the liquid to evaporate and the vegetables to become tender-crunchy.
What should the final texture of the vegetables be?
The vegetables should be tender yet still maintain a slight, delightful crunch.
Can this dish be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is excellent as either a side dish or a healthy appetizer.
What is 'gobo'?
Gobo is the Japanese name for burdock root, which is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-based dish with nutritious burdock and carrots.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 8 distinct ingredients.
Can I serve this dish hot or cold?
The instructions recommend serving it hot, though many similar Japanese medleys are also enjoyed at room temperature.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large saucepan or a wok is ideal for providing enough space to stir-fry the vegetables effectively.
What is the purpose of sake in this recipe?
Sake is used for cooking to enhance the flavor and add depth to the savory sauce.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the liquid has completely evaporated and the vegetables are glazed and tender.
Does this recipe use any sugar?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to help create the signature sweet-savory Japanese flavor profile.
What is an Izakaya?
An Izakaya is a type of informal Japanese bar that serves drinks and small snacks, where dishes like this are very popular.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for the stir-frying process.