Daikon Radish Salad (Daikon Sarada)

by Koh Kentetsu Kitchen【料理研究家コウケンテツ公式チャンネル】

A Daikon salad that Koutaro Kenzaki always orders at izakayas! We'll thoroughly explain the secrets to bringing out the best texture and sweetness. This dish, with its crisp texture and deep flavor, is sure to become a staple on your dining table.

Steps

Without peeling the daikon radish, slice it thinly along the grain.
🕒 01:13
Finely shred the sliced daikon radish into 2-3mm strips, cutting against the grain. 【Key Tip!】 Slicing along the grain first and then cutting against the grain to shred will enhance the crisp texture and bring out the sweetness.
🕒 02:35
Soak the shredded daikon radish in cold water for about 5 minutes to absorb moisture. 【Key Tip!】 Soaking in water improves its freshness and texture. Over-soaking can make it watery and leach out nutrients, so be careful.
🕒 03:20
Thoroughly drain the daikon radish. If concerned, pat dry with paper towels.
🕒 03:49
Arrange the daikon radish on a serving plate and top with half a bunch of kaiware daikon sprouts.
🕒 04:03
Cover the daikon radish and sprouts on the plate with a damp, wrung-out paper towel and chill in the refrigerator. 【Key Tip!】 Chilling in the refrigerator will further improve the texture.
🕒 04:31
Grate the remaining daikon radish, squeeze out the water thoroughly, and prepare the grated daikon radish (for the dressing).
🕒 05:55
Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a frying pan and stir-fry 10g of chirimen jako until crispy and fragrant.
🕒 05:04
Once the chirimen jako is crispy, turn off the heat, add 1 tsp of mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) and 1 tsp of soy sauce, mix well, and transfer to a plate.
🕒 05:31
In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil), 1-2 tbsp of squeezed grated daikon radish, and a pinch of bonito flakes. Mix well. 【Key Tip!】 Adding grated daikon radish improves the flavor and makes the dressing cling better, while bonito flakes add umami and aroma.
🕒 06:14
Pour the prepared dressing over the chilled daikon salad.
🕒 07:18
Top with mayonnaise (to taste), bonito flakes (to taste), stir-fried chirimen jako, and shredded nori (to taste) as desired. 【Key Tip!】 Adding the dressing and toppings just before serving prevents the daikon from releasing too much water, maintaining its best texture.
🕒 07:42