How to Make Stir-Fried Daikon Radish with Beef: A Flavorful Family Delight

Stir-fried daikon radish with beef, also known as Gà xào củ cải trắng in Vietnamese, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements of Vietnamese cuisine. The tender beef, infused with aromatic ginger and garlic, paired with the subtly sweet and crunchy daikon radish, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is an easy way to bring the authentic flavors of Vietnam to your kitchen.

Ingredients to Whet Your Appetite:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 large daikon radish, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Kitchen Arsenal:

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowls

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb the flavors, resulting in juicy and flavorful bites.

2. Spice Up the Daikon Radish: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced daikon radish with the remaining soy sauce and oyster sauce. Adding the sauce to the daikon radish separately helps it to retain a bit of a bite and prevents it from becoming mushy.

3. The Sizzle and Stir: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. “Using a wok is ideal for stir-fries as the sloped sides allow for easy tossing and even cooking,” notes Chef Anh Nguyen, author of The Vibrant Flavors of Vietnam. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Time for the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. The key is to not overcrowd the pan, allowing the beef to caramelize beautifully.

5. Embrace the Crunch: Add the sliced onion and daikon radish to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until the daikon radish is tender-crisp. Remember, we want the daikon radish to retain a bit of its satisfying crunch.

6. The Final Touch: Sprinkle black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.

Stir-fried Daikon Radish and Beef

Tips for Stir-Fry Success:

• Slice It Right: Thinly slicing the beef and daikon radish ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking over medium-high heat is crucial for a successful stir-fry. It helps to create those delicious caramelized bits and keeps the ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overcook: Daikon radish is best when cooked until tender-crisp. Overcooking will make it mushy.
• Taste and Adjust: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sugar to achieve your desired flavor.

Presentation is Key:

Serve your masterpiece over a bed of fluffy white rice. The mildness of the rice beautifully complements the savory flavors of the stir-fry.

Platter of Stir-fried Daikon Radish and Beef

Explore More Culinary Adventures:

This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick. Share your culinary creations and tag us on social media – we love seeing your delicious interpretations!