If you are looking to add vegetables to your diet or want to explore new flavors, Kinpira Gobo is a perfect choice. It is a traditional Japanese side dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and has a unique texture.
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What is Kinpira Gobo?
Kinpira Gobo is a Japanese dish made with burdock root that is stir-fried and flavored with traditional Japanese seasonings. "Kinpira" refers to shredded ingredients that are stir-fried in sweet and savory seasonings, such as mirin, sugar, and soy sauce, and "Gobo" stands for burdock root. It has a unique flavor and texture that can be described as subtly sweet, slightly spicy, and crunchy.
This dish is an excellent choice for incorporating vegetables into your meal and enjoying the health benefits of gobo. It tastes delicious whether served warm or chilled. It is a popular option for bento (lunch boxes), as it keeps well for a reasonable period of time.
Health benefits
Kinpira gobo is also a dish with excellent health benefits. Gobo, a key ingredient of this dish, is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, it is high in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help lower cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, this vegetable is low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is a vegetable that should be considered for addition to your daily diet.
A guide to preparing gobo
Gobo requires the following preparations before use:
- Remove the dirt: Gobo usually has soil adhered to it, so wash off the soil just before cooking.
- Lightly scrape off the surface: In Japan, it is common to use the back of a knife or wrap aluminum foil around the gobo and rub off the skin. The most flavorful part of gobo is near the skin, so be careful not to peel too much.
- Soak immediately after cutting: This process can remove harshness from gobo and prevent discoloration. After cutting, soak the slices in water for about a minute. It is important not to soak it for too long, as the flavor may be lost.
To enjoy gobo deliciously, it is important to prepare it properly.
Exploring other gobo dishes
In Japan, there are various dishes that feature gobo, such as "Amakara Gobo" (sweet and savory-flavored burdock root), "Gobo Salad" (burdock root salad), "Tataki Gobo" (pounded burdock root), and "Gobo no Nikumaki" (burdock root wrapped with meat).
After you try this dish and find that the flavor of gobo is too strong, I highly recommend trying "Gobo Salad" next. It can be enjoyed while preserving the texture of gobo and toning down its intense flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (5.3oz./150g) gobo (burdock root)
- 1.8 oz. (50g) carrot
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (neutral oil can be substituted)
- ⅓ chili pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp sake
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 15 mins
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the gobo to remove any dirt. Then, lightly scrape off the skin using the back of a knife or by wrapping aluminum foil around it.
Step 2
Cut the gobo diagonally into 2 inch (5cm) thin pieces, and slice each piece into thin strips.
Step 3
Soak the gobo strips in water for a minute. After soaking, drain them in a colander.
Step 4
Cut the carrot into thin strips of the same size as the gobo strips. Slice the chili pepper into rounds (and remove the seeds).
Step 5
Heat the sesame oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot, add the gobo and carrot strips and stir-fry over medium heat until they become tender.
Step 6
Add the chili pepper and the seasonings (sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce) to the pan, and let simmer until the liquid is almost reduced.
Step 7
Serve in each bowl and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips on how to make
To enjoy gobo deliciously, it is important to prepare it properly following the recipe. If you want to learn more about how to prepare gobo, please refer to the 'A Guide to Preparing Gobo' section.
Recipe Card
Kinpira Gobo (Burdock Root Stir-Fry)
Ingredients
- 1 (5.3oz./150g) gobo (burdock root)
- 1.8 oz. (50g) carrot
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (neutral oil can be substituted)
- ⅓ chili pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp sake
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the gobo to remove any dirt. Then, lightly scrape off the skin using the back of a knife or by wrapping aluminum foil around it.
- Cut the gobo diagonally into 2 inch (5cm) thin pieces, and slice each piece into thin strips.
- Soak the gobo strips in water for a minute. After soaking, drain them in a colander.
- Cut the carrot into thin strips of the same size as the gobo strips. Slice the chili pepper into rounds (and remove the seeds).
- Heat the sesame oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot, add the gobo and carrot strips and stir-fry over medium heat until they become tender.
- Add the chili pepper and the seasonings (sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce) to the pan, and let simmer until the liquid is almost reduced.
- Serve in each bowl and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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