Kinpira Gobo (Pan fried burdock root and carrot)

Ingredients (Serve 4 people) :

• 1/2 lb gobo (burdock root):  peeled and cut into 2 inch long and thin strips
• 1/4 lb carrot: peeled and cut into 2 inch long and thin strips
• 1 1/2 Tbsp mirin
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp sake
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 tsps vegetable oil
• 2 Dried red chili peppers (option)

Direction :

1. Soak the gobo strips in cold water for a few minutes to eliminate bitterness and drain well.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan, and fry gobo for a couple minutes.
3. Add carrot strips in the pan and stir-fry.
4. Add sake, mirin, and sugar and stir-fry until the liquid is gone.
5. Season with soy sauce and stir-fry well.
6. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds.

*If you like spicy, fry sliced dry red chili pepper before adding gobo in the pan.