When the weather turned cooler, my mom would often simmer a pot of braised daikon with meatballs. The kitchen filled with the gentle sweetness of radish and the savory aroma of meat. The daikon slowly absorbed the juices, becoming tender and flavorful, while the onions added a natural sweetness.
It wasn’t a fancy dish — just a comforting home-style meal waiting after school. Simple ingredients, but full of warmth and memory.
Braised Daikon with Meatballs & Onion
材料
Marinade Minced pork
Ingredients
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Prepare the daikon
Peel and cut into chunks. Blanch for 2 minutes if desired to remove bitterness.
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Sauté aromatics
Heat oil in a pot. Add ginger and onion, cook until fragrant and softened.
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Prepare meatballs
Marinate the minced pork for 15 minutes, then mix it by hand to increase its stickiness. Shape a tablespoon of minced pork into meatballs by hand.
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Simmer
Add daikon, soy sauces, sugar, and water (just enough to cover ingredients).
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Add meatballs
Stir in meatballs and lightly brown for 1–2 minutes.
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Braised gently
Simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes until daikon becomes tender and translucent.
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Season & serve
Adjust salt to taste and serve warm.
Cooking Tips 烹飪技巧
- Daikon becomes sweeter the longer it simmers.
- Add a little oyster sauce for richer flavor.
- Thaw frozen meatballs before cooking.
