Last Updated on August 27, 2023

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what does daikon radish taste like?” step right this way!

In this post, we’ll talk all about the flavor and texture of daikon radish and how to prepare it in a variety of dishes. All of them are delicious!

Daikon Radish

Daikon radish is a popular vegetable, primarily used in Asian cuisine.

Daikon has a milder and less “spicy” flavor compared to other radishes, making it an ideal addition to salads and stir-fries.

It has a crunchy texture when raw, resembling that of a carrot, and its flavor is slightly sweet with a slight bite.

Daikon’s flavor mellows when cooked and absorbs seasoning and sauce from the cooking method.

The HISTORY

Daikon radish, also known as ‘Chinese radish‘, is a type of winter white radish that originated in the Far East and is closely related to turnips, kohlrabi, horseradish, and mustard.

It has a smooth, snow-white exterior and can reach lengths up to three feet.

Daikon in Japanese literally means large root; the crunchy texture and mild peppery flavor of this type of radish distinguish it from other varieties.

The cultivation of daikon radishes dates back to ancient Japan.

Buddhism and Shintoism painted them as ornaments during the Heian era (794 – 1185 AD). Due to its versatility and vitamin C, iron, and potassium content, daikon remains popular today.

What does daikon radish taste like

Japanese cuisine often serves it raw or pickled.

Boiling it creates a sweet stewed dish called ‘Kabocha Stew’ which is a mixture of carrots, onions, and peppers.

When eaten raw, it has a slight sweetness and a crispness that is unmistakable, as in salads or grated into dishes like Vegan Zaru Soba (Cold Soba Noodles).

vegan cold soba noodles — Vegan Zaru Noodles

Its pungent peppery flavor and aroma intensify the more you cook it. When cooked, its crispness softens to an almost creamy texture.

The sweetness fades into an earthy flavor similar to turnips or potatoes.

Plus, daikon pairs very well with seasonings like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to enhance its natural flavor.

Pickling daikon gives it a slightly sweet-sour taste that makes it a great addition to main meals (e.g. Korean pickled daikon radish).

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or cooked, daikon radish offers an interesting contrast of flavors that will add excitement to any dish.

How to Cook

The following recipes provide a few ways to cook daikon,

Taiwanese Daikon Radish Stew

Taiwanese-Daikon-radish-stew-with-mixed-vegetables

Cooked with Mixed Vegetables and dried Shiitake mushrooms. This is my favorite daikon radish recipe of all time.

2. My favorite Daikon Radish in miso broth

This is one of the simplest Daikon radish recipes to cook Daikon, so simple and straightforward! The result is sweet, meaty, and juicy.

3. Pickled Daikon (Daikon Kimchi Style)

When you have too many daikon radishes at home and don’t know what to do?

Daikon radish pickled in a savory brine, it only takes 10 minutes to prep for this tasty side dish

Final Thoughts

Tasting daikon radish is a great way to experience the flavors of Chinese and Japanese food.

There is a slight hint of sweetness, and the vegetable’s light crunch as you bite into it provides an interesting contrast.

Overall, the flavor is slightly peppery, with a mild aftertaste. If you aren’t used to the flavor of this radish, a little salt makes it more palatable.

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of flavor to your next meal, give daikon radish a try! It’s sure to be a hit amongst your friends and family.

What Do Daikon Radishes taste like? Recipes to try out!

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what does daikon radish taste like?” step right this way! In this post, we’ll talk all about the flavor and texture of daikon radish and how to prepare it in a variety of dishes. All of them are delicious!