How to Cook Radishes and a Simple Radish Stir Fry

How to Cook Radishes – For the longest time I thought radishes were best served on salads for an extra crunch. The idea of cooking radishes never crossed my mind, not to mention I had no idea how to cook radishes or where to even start.

But that was then and this is now. I have come far in the culinary world and now count delightfully peppery cooked radishes among my favorite vegetables. Cooking them actually removes some of the strong peppery flavor. So, if you’re not a fan of cold, uncooked radishes, then keep reading on how to cook radishes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: This article has grown over the years to include additional research and frequently asked questions by our readers on how to cook radishes and a simple radish stir fry. Use this guide to help you find the areas of this article with ease.

• Cooked Radishes vs Raw Radishes
• Radish Nutrition Value
• Recipe for Roasted Radishes
• Simple Radish Stir Fry
• Seared Radish Greens
• Can You Eat Radishes Raw?
• Can You Cook Radishes?

Cooked Radishes Taste Totally Different Than Raw Radishes!

Don’t like raw radishes? Fine. But, don’t discount cooked radishes just because you don’t like the raw ones. Cooking totally mellows the zingy pungent flavor intrinsic to raw radishes while bringing out a subtle sweetness that is very easy on the palate.

Radish Nutrition Value

Since I’m assuming most people consider radishes a garnish (like I did), I’m also guessing most people don’t give radish nutrition a whole lot of thought. Radishes are considered root vegetables and are exceptionally low in calories, but not in nutrients. Radish nutrition value is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, detoxifying phytonutrients and flavonoids. Plus radish nutrition supports blood-pressure-lowering potassium.

And, for whatever it is worth… according to a Chinese proverb, “Eating pungent radish and drinking hot tea, let the starved doctors beg on their knees.” So, add some roasted radishes or stir fry radishes to your weekly menu and enjoy the new flavor profile and all the radish nutrition value and benefits.

How to Cook Radishes in the Oven

One of the quickest ways to cook radishes is this recipe for Roasted Radishes. All you have to do is cut them, toss them in a little bit of olive oil, sea salt and pepper and place them in the oven to roast while you make the rest of our dinner.

These radishes also taste delicious on salads and have a perfect flavor when cold.

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Simple Radish Stir Fry

The second easiest way to learn how to cook radishes is making a simple radish stir fry. The radishes soften in just 5-6 minutes and taste absolutely delicious. Again, not a strong peppery flavor when cooked and very easy to make.

Try this Simple Radish Stir Fry

Made in under 10 minutes, you can easily make this radish stir fry as a side dish or to add to a vegetable stir fry recipe.

SIMPLE RADISH STIR FRY INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 12 medium-sized radishes, thinly sliced
• Unrefined sea salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SIMPLE RADISH STIR FRY:

1. For best results, heat the oil and water in a cast iron skillet or a ceramic skillet; add the radishes and cook about 5 or 6 minutes, or until soft. Season with salt to taste. Add the cooked radish greens to the skillet and toss radishes and radish greens together. Serve warm.

How to Cook Radishes – Seared Radish Greens

Although roasted radishes are the easiest way to cook radishes, my absolute favorite way to eat radishes (and the radish greens!) is pan seared stovetop.

By the way, never ever throw the green radish leaves in the trash; the radish greens happen to be the most nutrient-dense part of the whole radish.

Radish greens contain a broad spectrum of nutrients including a very heft amount of calcium, a good deal of iron, and anti-aging antioxidants vitamins A, C and K.

Plus, they are absolutely divine when sautéed with lots of crushed garlic and a bit of extra virgin olive oil. 

P.S. You can even toss raw radish greens into your green smoothies in place of kale. Just a thought 😉

Pan Seared Radish Greens

PAN SEARED RADISH GREENS INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup good quality balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
• 1 tablespoon cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 bunch radish greens, rinsed and chopped
• Unrefined sea salt, to taste
• Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

PAN SEARED RADISH GREENS INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and heat over low-heat; cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until balsamic vinegar is thick and syrupy. Set aside. You can use balsamic reduction and skip this step.
2. Heat oil and garlic in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat; when oil is hot add the radish greens and sauté 3-4 minutes, or until wilted. Season radishes with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle reduced balsamic vinegar on top and set aside.

Some Radish FAQ