Winter Comfort: Braised Beef Cheek with Chinese White Radish
In traditional Chinese cooking, food is medicine โ and this simple, warming dish is a perfect example. Made with just a few whole ingredients, itโs full of nourishment for both body and soul.
โ๏ธ As the old Chinese saying goes:
โๅฌๅ่ๅ๏ผๅคๅๅงใโ
Eat radish in winter, ginger in summer.
A timeless reminder to eat with the seasons โ and listen to what the body truly needs.
๐ฅ Ingredients (Serves 2โ3)
- 400g beef cheek, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 150g Chinese white radish (daikon), peeled and cut into thick rounds
- Water โ thereโs no strict rule, just enough for a slow, gentle simmer.
- Optional: a pinch of celtic salt
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
1. Simmer the beef cheek:
Place the beef in a pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook gently for 90 minutes, or until the beef is meltingly tender.
2. Add the radish:
Add the chopped radish to the pot and continue to simmer for 30โ40 minutes, or until the radish is soft, juicy, and infused with flavour.
3. Finish with fresh herbs:
Before serving, feel free to top it with fresh herbs โ coriander, chopped chives, or whatever is available in your kitchen. It brings freshness and brightness to the dish.
4. Season and serve:
Add sea salt to taste. Serve warm with a side of steamed rice or millet for a nourishing winter meal.
๐ฟ Health Benefits
๐ฅฉ Beef Cheek
A lesser-known cut that becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked. Itโs rich in:
- Collagen and gelatin โ excellent for joint support and skin elasticity
- Iron and B vitamins โ essential for energy, mood, and red blood cell health
- Satiating protein โ helps you feel full longer, naturally
๐ Chinese White Radish (Daikon)
A cooling root vegetable with natural detoxifying effects:
- Digestive enzymes โ aid gut health and reduce bloating
- Vitamin C and potassium โ support the immune system and heart function
- High water content โ naturally hydrating and cleansing
๐ฌ Why I Love This Dish
Itโs a humble recipe, but deeply comforting. I love how the radish absorbs the richness of the broth while adding its own subtle sweetness. Itโs clean, healing, and feels like something my grandmother wouldโve made โ a true celebration of simple, seasonal ingredients.
Slow cooking invites slowness in life, too โ and thatโs something I deeply value.
At Adore-ECO, we believe in real food, seasonal living, and cooking simply โ just like this.
๐ What I Used in My Kitchen
To make this dish even more satisfying, I used a few kitchen staples I trust:
- My Le Creuset Dutch Oven โ perfect for even, gentle simmering
- Celtic Saltโ a mineral-rich salt that brings out the flavours naturally
- Organic daikon radish โ when I can find it online or at the farmerโs market
๐ Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your version in the comments below or tag @AdoreEco if you post it online.
Letโs nourish ourselves โ simply, seasonally, and sustainably.
With warmth,
Lily
Founder, Adore-Eco
