Delicious Daikon: A Healthy Noodle Substitute

Most people don’t know what daikon is. I didn’t until a few weeks ago when I discovered it in the produce department at my local grocery store. They had a prepackaged container of daikon noodles. I glanced at the back and with only 2.6 carbs in a ½ cup serving, I had to try. It was delicious! Daikon is a member of the radish family. It’s similar in texture to the red radish we are accustomed to but not in taste or appearance. It’s white, resembles the shape of a plump carrot and isn’t spicy. It’s commonly referred to as a winter radish. The health benefits this little root pumps out are incredible. It’s full of vitamins and fiber. You can buy the whole radish and use your own veggie spiral to make whatever noodle shape you wish or look for the prepackaged ones and save yourself some time. It’s very universal and can be incorporated into many dishes. Below is one of my favorites.

Daikon Noodle Bowl with Chicken and Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3 oz of cooked boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced)
• ½ cup daikon noodles (soften by boiling or steaming for 5 minutes)
• ¼ cup cooked diced red pepper
• ¼ cup cooked diced zucchini
• 1 red radish sliced thin
• Handful of crushed unsalted peanuts for topping (optional)

Peanut Sauce

• 1 tablespoon of fresh grated garlic
• 1/2 cup all natural, creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon of Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon of cracked red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• pinch of salt

Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan, cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes (stirring occasionally) until all the ingredients form a smooth sauce. This sauce will make about four servings. Store any extra sauce in the fridge or freeze for another day.