Have you ever had the unique experience of eating a watermelon radish?
It is a round, crisp root vegetable that has a white outer layer with vibrant shades of magenta and green on the inside.
Not only is it visually appealing but it adds an interesting crunch to salads and other dishes.
While its flavors can be perplexing, mastering how to use watermelon radish is surprisingly easy.
If you are looking for a substitute, you won’t have any problems finding the 5 best alternatives that offer similar textures and flavors – daikon radish, black radish, summer turnips, red beetroots and even carrots.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Watermelon Radish
If you’re looking for a tasty substitute for watermelon radish, there are a few beneficial options to consider.
While these alternatives may not have the same unique color or flavor profile as watermelon radish does, they can certainly stand in as an acceptable stand-in in a pinch.
Here are five of the best substitutes for watermoon radish:
1 – Daikon Radish
Often mistaken for a watermelon, daikon radish is actually more closely related to the turnip family.
It grows best in zones 3-9 and prefers cool weather, so it’s best grown in late autumn or early winter.
It has a crisp texture with a sweet, mild flavor and can be eaten cooked or raw.
It can be used as a substitute for watermelon radish in salads, stir-fries or pickled dishes or served as an accompaniment to Japanese dishes like sushi and sashimi.
Daikon radish has similar nutritional benefits as watermelon radish but slightly lower concentrations of vitamins A and C.
2 – Red Radish
Red radish is the closest substitute for watermelon radish.
The two vegetables look very similar, though the distinctive green stripes of watermelon radish are replaced with a reliable red color throughout on red radishes.
The flavor of this vegetable is more intense than that of a watermelon radish and also more peppery, tasting slightly spicy.
Though not as crisp, red radishes are still crunchy when eaten raw and contain an impressive amount of Vitamin C.
They can be sliced and added to salads just like watermelon radishes or even roasted like a potato with some olive oil and salt for a side dish.
3 – White Radish
White radish, also known as oriental radish or daikon, is a type of winter vegetable with a mild flavor and crunchy texture.
This cruciferous root is high in fiber, low in calories and contains vitamin C, calcium and iron.
The white-fleshed radish has a sweet flavor when cooked, but can also be enjoyed raw in salads or on its own.
When grated or thinly sliced, the crunchy vegetable adds a bright burst of flavor to dishes such as stir-fries and chutney.
As an added bonus, the daikon can be easily stored for several weeks after harvesting for an extended period of enjoyment.
When selecting your vegetable at the grocery store, choose white radishes that are firm to the touch with no soft spots or discoloration on the surface.
4 – Korean Radish
Korean radish is another one of the most popular substitutes for watermelon radish.
It has a milder flavor than its watermelon counterpart, but still contains a bit of spiciness.
The texture is slightly crunchier and can bring an interesting contrast to salads or dishes.
If you’re looking for a mild flavor, then this radish may be the perfect substitute for you.
However, it does not have the eye-catching red color that watermelon radishes are known for.
Be sure to add some other colorful ingredients to your dish if appearance is important to your recipe.
5 – Black Spanish Radish
Black Spanish Radish is a winter radish with shape, taste and texture similar to Watermelon Radish.
It has an elongated oval shape, growing up to 3-5 inches in length.
The skin may be smooth or slightly dimpled, and the flesh is pure white with flecks of purple.
When cut open, you will find the edible parts radiating in a starburst pattern around the center core.
This radish has a unique flavor that includes notes of pepper and earthiness similar to horseradish but more mild when raw.
Although it is not as sweet as Watermelon Radish, it provides a lovely appearance when sliced thinly and added to salads or used as a garnish for hummus or other dishes.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Watermelon Radish
Ingredients
- Daikon Radish
- Red Radish
- White Radish
- Korean Radish
- Black Spanish Radish
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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