Aromatic Stir-Fried Radish with Perilla Oil
Aromatic Stir-Fried Radish with Perilla Oil
Quick and Easy Daikon Radish Side Dish (Munamul Bokkeum)
While rummaging through the fridge, I found some daikon radish I bought the other day. I wondered whether to pan-fry or stir-fry it, and decided to make a simple stir-fried radish dish (Munamul Bokkeum). After skipping breakfast and having the chicken soup my partner wanted for lunch, I realized there were no side dishes for dinner! I had planned to go to the market this morning, but ended up dozing off while watching TV and lost track of time. I really need to go tomorrow; I’ve run out of ingredients to cook with.
Ingredients- Daikon radish, about 1/3 (approx. 300-400g)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil (Deulgireum)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped scallions (or sliced scallions)
- 1/2 cup Water (enough to cook the radish)
- Salt to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the daikon radish. Using a mandoline slicer would result in very thin slices that cook quickly, but today I chose to use a knife to cut it into uniform, thin slices about 2-3mm thick. While thinly sliced radish can sometimes look messy, since I’m using a relatively small amount, it’s fine to include it. I used about 1/3 of a medium-sized radish.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of fragrant perilla oil. Perilla oil has a low smoke point, so cooking it on medium-low heat prevents it from burning and helps preserve its rich flavor.
Step 3
Add the sliced daikon radish to the pan with the perilla oil. If you had used very thinly sliced radish from a mandoline, it might look a bit scattered, but since the quantity is small, it’s okay to add it all together. The radish will release its moisture and combine with the perilla oil.
Step 4
Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the radish becomes translucent and slightly tender. You’ll notice the radish wilting and a fragrant perilla oil aroma filling the air.
Step 5
Add about 1/2 cup of water, just enough to make the liquid barely cover the radish. Adding too much water will make the dish watery, so aim for a level where the radish can be steamed and cooked through. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the radish is completely tender.
Step 6
Once the radish is cooked through, season with salt to your taste. Using soy sauce might darken the color, so salt is preferred for a lighter flavor profile. Finally, sprinkle in the chopped scallions and sesame seeds to finish. The fresh flavor of the scallions and the nutty aroma of the sesame seeds enhance the dish beautifully.
Step 7
Your delicious Stir-Fried Radish with Perilla Oil is ready! Isn’t it incredibly simple? [Recipe Summary]: 1. Slice radish. 2. Stir-fry radish in perilla oil. 3. Add water and cook until tender. 4. Season with salt and finish with scallions and sesame seeds. This dish is a perfect side for rice or a great addition to bibimbap. Give this easy and nutritious Munamul Bokkeum a try for dinner tonight!
