It might surprise you to know that a lot of Chinese meals utilize a “meat on the side” concept, with vegetables being the main focus. (Chances are, you’d never guess that by looking at the menu of your favorite takeout place.) This concept carries through a variety of home-cooked dishes, like this braised daikon!
One ingredient of note here is the doubanjiang. This is a spicy fermented paste made from fava beans, chili peppers, soybeans, salt, and flour, and it’s considered the soul of Sichuan cuisine. Its most famous version, Pixian Doubanjiang, hails specifically from the east side of the Sichuan province, and it’s well-known for being fermented in broad daylight for over three years before being used. The savory-spicy flavor profile has some similarities to gochujang, so you can substitute one for the other in a pinch!
On its own, this dish is a satisfying, hearty option for a low-carb meal. If you’re in the mood for a little extra, though, this makes a perfect topper for a rice bowl or noodle dish. Whichever way you go, you’ll love this option for a quick homemade meal!
Chinese-Style Braised Daikon
1 TBSP sesame oil
1 TBSP doubanjiang
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 TBSP ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 TBSP oyster sauce
1 large daikon radish (about 2 lbs), washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 TBSP honey
1 TBSP sherry cooking wine
1 TBSP soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and pour in the sesame oil. Once hot, add the doubanjiang and beef; stir and cook until the beef is evenly brown. Add in the garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce, then stir and cook until fragrant. Add in the daikon chunks, then stir and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add in the honey, sherry, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese five-spice, broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the daikon is tender. Serve over rice or noodles, or by itself.
Serves up to 4.
Hapanese Cuisine 