Meaning & Definition of word "Daikon"

Daikon

/ˈdaɪ.kɒn/

noun:

  • 1. A variety of large white radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) that is commonly used in East Asian cuisine.
    • Example: In the winter months, I love to add shredded daikon to my salads for extra crunch.
  • 2. The root of the daikon plant, often used in soups, stews, and pickles.
    • Example: The miso soup was enhanced with slices of daikon, giving it a unique flavor.
  • 3. A staple ingredient in Japanese cooking, often served grated or pickled.
    • Example: For the sushi rolls, I used julienned daikon as a fresh garnish.
  • 4. Daikon is also used in various fermented dishes, such as kimchi.
    • Example: The spicy kimchi was full of fermented daikon, adding a delightful crunch.

Etymology

Japanese: 大根, meaning 'big root'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

daikon salad:

A salad that includes shredded or sliced daikon, often with other vegetables.

pickled daikon:

Daikon that has been preserved in brine or vinegar, commonly served as a side dish.

daikon cakes:

Savory cakes made primarily from grated daikon, often found in Asian cuisine.

Related Words

radish:

A small, round, often spicy vegetable that comes in various colors.

miso:

A traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji.

sushi:

A Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice accompanied by various ingredients, including seafood and vegetables.

Slang Meanings of daikon

Meaning: Refers to someone who is tall and slender, likening their shape to a daikon.

Example Sentence: He’s so tall and skinny; we call him daikon.

Meaning: Used to describe a dish that is overly healthy or vegetable-heavy.

Example Sentence: This meal is totally daikon; where's the meat?