Name: How To Make Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Braised Burdock Root)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 150g Gobo (burdock root); 2 tsp Sugar; 2 tsp Cooking Sake; 2 tsp Mirin; 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil; Sesame Seeds, as needed; Sliced Chili Pepper, as needed

How To Make Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Braised Burdock Root)-Japanese Taste

Side Dish Burdock Root Easy Under 30 Minutes Meal Prep Lunchbox Friendly Healthy Vegetarian Vegan

Kinpira is a beloved Japanese side dish, celebrated for its simple yet flavorful preparation involving stir-frying and simmering root vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. Typically, vegetables like burdock root and carrots are thinly sliced or julienned, then cooked with seasonings such as soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin.

Among the many varieties of kinpira, kinpira gobo stands out for highlighting the earthy flavor and subtle bitterness of burdock root, making it a staple in Japanese home cooking.

The name "kinpira" is said to originate from "Sakata Kinpira," the main character in "Kinpira Joruri," a traditional Japanese recitation accompanied by a shamisen that became popular during the Edo period. Kinpira is also believed to be the son of Sakata Kintoki, the hero of the Japanese folk tale "Kintaro." This character symbolizes strength and bravery, qualities reflected in the hearty flavors and slightly spicy kick of braised burdock in kinpira dishes.

Kinpira gobo traditionally features a variety of root vegetables, chosen for their firm texture and chewiness. The dish often includes chili peppers for a subtle spiciness that balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. While burdock root and carrots are the most common, other roots such as lotus root may also appear in variations like kinpira renkon.

One key aspect of preparing gobo kinpira is handling the burdock root correctly. Burdock tends to discolor quickly when exposed to air due to the oxidation of polyphenols. To maintain its bright color and fresh taste, it is essential to soak the sliced root in water immediately after cutting. Additionally, unique cutting techniques, such as thin julienne slices or diagonal cuts, can enhance the texture and ensure the braised burdock root cooks evenly.

Kinpira gobo works beautifully as a side for rice, noodles, or even grilled meats. Its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, combined with the satisfying chewiness of burdock kinpira, captures the essence of traditional Japanese home cooking.

Enjoy the earthy richness of Japanese burdock root and bring a taste of Japan into your kitchen.

Overview

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Total servings: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

150g Gobo (burdock root)
2 tsp Sugar
2 tsp Cooking Sake
2 tsp Mirin
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Sesame Seeds, as needed
Sliced Chili Pepper, as needed

Expert's Tip

How To Make Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Braised Burdock Root)

The Kinpirakun tool proves incredibly handy, particularly when you're preparing the ingredients for Kinpira. With a simple slide across the vegetable's surface, you can effortlessly create perfect julienne cuts. Beyond Kinpira, this versatile peeler is also perfect for crafting salads, soups, and more. Elevate your cooking experience with this smart and compact kitchen tool!

Instructions

1) Gathering the Ingredients

Gather the ingredients together.

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2) Preparing & Slicing the Burdock Root

Rinse the Gobo thoroughly, and if you have a Tawashi, it's excellent for cleaning its surface. Since the nutrients and distinctive flavor are concentrated near the skin, it's best to skip peeling. Get a bowl of water ready and cut the Gobo in a way that resembles sharpening a pencil, a method known as "Sasagaki" in Japanese, as shown in this step's pictures.

If Sasagaki proves challenging, simply thinly slice the gobo pieces instead. After cutting, immediately soak the pieces in water to eliminate any lye and prevent discoloration. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes, then gently pat them dry with paper towels.

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3) Stir-Frying the Burdock Root

In a frying pan, drizzle some sesame oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the Gobo and stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes.

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4) Seasoning and Braising the Burdock Root

After 2 minutes, introduce the seasonings, sesame seeds, and sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry them over medium to high heat until the liquid in the seasonings has evaporated.

5) Serving Kinpira Gobo

Transfer the braised burdock root to a plate and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

About the author

Megumi Moriya

Megumi is a recipe writer based in Chiba, Japan. She carries a Bachelor in the Faculty of Foreign Studies and is interested in creating content about Japanese cuisine and traditional confectioneries. Megumi is most interested in making Japanese recipe content, and in her free time, she likes to play the piano, make handcrafted goods, and hula dance. She hopes to inspire Japanese Taste readers to make Japanese recipes at home and of course share more about Japanese culture.

View articles by Megumi Moriya

How To Make Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Braised Burdock Root)

Overview

Ingredients

Expert's Tip