How to Make Daikon Vietnamese Soup at Home? | Easy Recipe

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Daikon Vietnamese soup, or “Canh Củ Cải Trắng,” is a quintessentially Vietnamese dish celebrated for its soothing qualities and subtle flavors. This simple yet deeply nourishing soup features daikon radish as its star ingredient, which lends a mild, slightly sweet taste and a pleasingly crunchy texture. Typically simmered in a clear broth with pork or beef bones, the daikon absorbs the savory flavors of the meat while imparting its own unique essence.

The soup is often seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper and garnished with fresh scallions or cilantro to enhance its earthy notes. Sometimes, other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms are added to create a more robust flavor profile. Daikon Vietnamese soup is revered not only for its comforting warmth but also for its supposed health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.

Cultural Insights and Historical Background

Daikon has been cultivated across China, Japan and Korea for millennia, but found its way to Vietnam by the 15th century during a period of agricultural innovation and exchange.

Over generations, Vietnamese cooks have creatively incorporated daikon into foundational dishes that reflect the local palate and ingredients. For instance:

• Instead of kimchi, Vietnam has đồ chua – tangy pickled daikon
• Daikon features in rustic everyday fare like canh sườn nấu củ đậu – daikon pork rib soup
• Daikon rice cakes, bánh ú tro, showcase daikon’s juicy crunch

Beyond culinarily, daikon is woven into Vietnamese culture and traditions. For example:

• Carved and displayed for spiritual ceremonies
• Given as a meaningful gift representing prosperity
• Occasionally fermented into a mild liquor

Over time, daikon has become more than just a vegetable in Vietnam – it is an indispensable cultural and culinary icon.

Definition and Unique Characteristics of Daikon as a White Radish

Daikon is a type of white radish that is a staple vegetable in Asian cuisine, especially in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It has some unique characteristics that distinguish it from other radishes:

Appearance

• Long, white cylindrical shape, resembling a large carrot
• Can grow over 12 inches long
• Smooth external texture

Taste

• Mild and slightly sweet, less pungent than small red radishes
• Crisp texture with juicy crunch when raw
• Becomes tender when cooked

Nutrition

• Low in calories
• High in vitamin C, potassium, fiber
• Contains enzymes that aid digestion

Daikon has a versatile flavor profile that allows it to be eaten raw or cooked in many dishes across Asia. When pickled, it also acquires unique sour and tangy flavors.

Role of Daikon in Vietnamese Culinary Traditions

Daikon holds a special significance in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is known as củ cải trắng or củ đậu. It is one of the most ubiquitous ingredients and is used in an array of everyday dishes:

• Pickled daikon (đồ chua) – Served alongside many meals as a tangy, crunchy condiment with dipping fish sauce
• Daikon and carrot pickle (đồ chua củ cải) – The classic pickled vegetable
• Daikon rice cake (bánh ú tro) – Steamed rice cakes with shredded daikon fillings
• Daikon pork rib soup (canh sườn nấu củ đậu) – A popular homestyle soup
• Stir fried daikon (xào củ đậu) – Simple, quick side dish

Beyond these examples, daikon regularly appears in spring rolls, broths, hot pots, porridges, stir fries, and more. It provides crunch, mild sweetness, and a refreshing flavor profile. Pickled daikon in particular plays an indispensable role at mealtimes.

Shrimp and Daikon Vietnamese Soup

Shrimp and daikon Vietnamese soup is a hearty, comforting Vietnamese dish that combines tender shrimp and the crisp, juicy qualities of daikon radish in a savory broth. It utilizes simple ingredients for a quick, flavorful soup.

Ingredients Overview

Main ingredients:

• Shrimp – Provides protein, flavorful meatiness
• Daikon radish – Offers crunch and refreshing flavor
• Scallions – Add fresh, aromatic notes
• Yellow onion – Supplies sweetness

Flavor enhancers:

• Fish sauce – Salty, umami depth
• Chicken bouillon – Savory, rich base
• Sugar – Balances acids and enhances sweetness
• Salt and pepper – Fundamental seasoning
• Chili powder – Optional spike of heat

Step-by-Step Cooking Daikon Vietnamese Soup Process

Preparation of shrimp:

1. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact
2. Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, chili powder and set aside
3. Heat oil in pot and sauté seasoned shrimp until pink
4. Remove shrimp and set aside

Simmering process:

5. In same pot, add more oil and sauté diced onion and scallion whites
6. Pour in chicken bouillon and 2 cups water and bring to a boil
7. Reduce to a simmer and cook broth for 5 minutes

Integration of daikon:

8. Add peeled, sliced daikon rounds to pot
9. Simmer until daikon is tender but still slightly crisp, for 5-10 minutes
10. Return shrimp to pot and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, sugar, fish sauce

Final Steps:

11. Stir in scallion greens just before serving
12. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot

Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed immediately with a side of rice or crusty bread.

Pickled Daikon (Đồ Chua)

Pickled daikon is a quintessential Vietnamese side dish and condiment, known as đồ chua in Vietnam. It has a perfect balance of crunchy, tangy and sweet flavors.

Preparing Ingredients

• Daikon radish, julienned or cut into matchsticks
• Carrots, julienned (optional for color contrast)
• Toss with salt and let stand 30 minutes to remove moisture
• Rinse and drain vegetables well

Pickling Process

Pickling liquid:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt

1. Combine all pickling liquid ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil on the stove
2. Remove from heat and let cool completely
3. Place daikon and carrots in a jar and pour pickling liquid over, covering vegetables
4. Store in the fridge for a minimum of 6 hours, up to 2 weeks

Maturation: Flavors develop and meld after 24 hours. For best flavor, pickle at least 1-2 days before serving.

Usage and Serving

• Drain pickled daikon from brine before serving
• Enjoy alongside phở, bún, cơm tấm, or any Vietnamese dish needing a sour crunch
• Also excellent in bánh mì sandwiches or spring rolls
• Stands on its own as a crunchy, refreshing snack

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Daikon radishes provide a range of nutritional and health advantages:

• Low calorie – Only 18 calories in 1 cup raw; excellent for dieters
• High fiber – 5g per cup, promoting healthy digestion
• Vitamin C – 29% DV helps immune function and nutrient absorption
• Potassium – 309mg reduces blood pressure and muscle cramps
• Enzymes like diastase and amylase improve digestion and gut health
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may prevent cellular damage

Additionally, research indicates that pickling daikon can increase bioavailability of certain nutrients. The fermentation process helps break down fibrous cell walls, releasing more benefits from the vegetable.

Overall, daikon is a nutrient-dense addition to any diet with its unique combination of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Its versatility also makes it easy to integrate into diverse culinary traditions worldwide.

Advanced Cooking Techniques and Tips

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance with daikon requires finesse. Here are some tips:

For soups:

• Cut daikon into thick rounds to maintain crunch
• Add near the end to avoid overcooking into mush
• Simmer just until daikon is fork-tender but still crisp

For pickling:

• Cut into thin matchsticks for optimal crunch
• Rinse daikon well to remove sulphurous compounds
• Massage salt when salting to draw out moisture
• Use mature vinegar and minimum sugar for clean, bright flavors

Adaptations:

• For low-sodium: reduce or omit added salt
• To boost flavor: add garlic, ginger or lemongrass to pickling liquid
• For texture contrast: add julienned carrots or radishes when pickling

Getting the ideal texture while balancing flavors is an art, but pays off in maximizing daikon’s delicate appeal. With practice, you can master the techniques for making perfect daikon dishes at home.

Additional Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Beyond the essential dishes outlined earlier, daikon can be used creatively in many contexts. Consider these additional pairing ideas:

For soups:

• Shredded chicken or pork belly
• Rice noodles or mung bean vermicelli
• Mushrooms, bok choy, or bamboo shoots

For pickles:

• Grilled pork chops or lemongrass chicken
• Vermicelli noodle bowls with lettuce, herbs, shrimp
• Fried rice or claypot chicken rice

For snacking:

• Pair with chả giò (egg rolls) for textural contrast
• Stuff into fresh summer rolls with shrimp and mint
• Skewer for pickling juice-infused veggie dippers

With its versatile, refreshing flavor profile, daikon can complement myriad ingredients and dishes. Allow your creativity to run wild and discover exciting new ways to savor this iconic Vietnamese staple.