Kinpira Gobo
A classic Japanese side dish of burdock root and carrot stir-fried until caramelized and tender, with a savory-sweet glaze and a warm kick of chili. Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2g
Ingredients
- 1 pound burdock root (gobo)
- 1 large carrot
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1
Scrub the burdock root under cool running water with a vegetable brush or rough cloth to remove dirt, then pat dry with a clean towel.
- 2
Hold the burdock root at an angle and use a vegetable peeler to slice it into thin matchsticks about 1/8-inch wide and 2 inches long, rotating as you peel.
- 3
Place the sliced burdock in a bowl of cool water to soak for 5 minutes to remove the bitter compounds and prevent browning, then drain and pat dry.
- 4
Peel the carrot, then use the vegetable peeler or a julienne peeler to slice the carrot into matchsticks about the same size as the burdock.
- 5
Pour the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar into a small bowl and stir together until combined.
- 6
Heat the sesame oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pan, about 1 minute.
- 7
Add the burdock and carrot matchsticks to the hot oil, then stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and turn golden at the edges.
- 8
Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the vegetables and stir for 15 seconds until fragrant.
- 9
Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the vegetables are glazed and tender.
- 10
Taste a piece of burdock—it should be crispy on the outside but tender when bitten through; if still too firm, stir for 1–2 minutes more.
- 11
Transfer the kinpira gobo to a serving plate or small bowls while still warm.
Tools you’ll need
- vegetable brush or rough cloth
- vegetable peeler or julienne peeler
- small bowl for soaking burdock
- small bowl for sauce
- 12-inch skillet
- wooden spoon
- serving plate or bowls
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