Burdock root

A long, slender, earthy root vegetable (gobo in Japanese cooking) with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. Peeled and cut thin for stir-fries like kinpira, or simmered in braises.

Burdock root

Used for

  • kinpira
  • stir-fries
  • braises
  • soups

In the kitchen

  • scrub or peel the thin skin
  • slice into thin matchsticks or shavings
  • soak sliced pieces in water briefly to prevent browning

Picking it at the store

  • Firm and unwrinkled, ideally still dusted with soil, which helps it keep longer
  • Wrapped in damp paper in the fridge it keeps for a couple of weeks — don't wash until ready to use

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