Winter Comfort: Braised Beef Cheek with Chinese White Radish
In traditional Chinese cooking, food is medicine — and this simple, warming dish is a perfect example. Made with just a few whole ingredients, it’s full of nourishment for both body and soul.
❄️ As the old Chinese saying goes:
“冬吃萝卜，夏吃姜。”
Eat radish in winter, ginger in summer.
A timeless reminder to eat with the seasons — and listen to what the body truly needs.
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 400g beef cheek, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 150g Chinese white radish (daikon), peeled and cut into thick rounds
- Water — there’s no strict rule, just enough for a slow, gentle simmer.
- Optional: a pinch of celtic salt
👩🍳 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 30–40 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 — 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.
🌿 Health Benefits
🥩 Beef Cheek
A lesser-known cut that becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked. It’s rich in:
- Collagen and gelatin — excellent for joint support and skin elasticity
- Iron and B vitamins — essential for energy, mood, and red blood cell health
- Satiating protein — helps you feel full longer, naturally
🍠 Chinese White Radish (Daikon)
A cooling root vegetable with natural detoxifying effects:
- Digestive enzymes — aid gut health and reduce bloating
- Vitamin C and potassium — support the immune system and heart function
- High water content — naturally hydrating and cleansing
💬 Why I Love This Dish
It’s a humble recipe, but deeply comforting. I love how the radish absorbs the richness of the broth while adding its own subtle sweetness. It’s clean, healing, and feels like something my grandmother would’ve made — a true celebration of simple, seasonal ingredients.
Slow cooking invites slowness in life, too — and that’s something I deeply value.
At Adore-ECO, we believe in real food, seasonal living, and cooking simply — just like this.
🛒 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 – perfect for even, gentle simmering
- Celtic Salt– a mineral-rich salt that brings out the flavours naturally
- Organic daikon radish – when I can find it online or at the farmer’s market
💚 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.
Let’s nourish ourselves — simply, seasonally, and sustainably.
With warmth,
Lily
Founder, Adore-Eco
