大根(だいこん)おろし

だいこんおろし
noun
grated daikon radish
food
1. grated daikon radish
Daikon radish grated into a fine, juicy pulp. A staple condiment in Japanese cuisine, served alongside grilled fish, tempura, noodles, and many other dishes.
焼(や)き魚(ざかな)に大根(だいこん)おろしを添(そ)える。
Serve grated daikon alongside grilled fish.
天(てん)ぷらには大根(だいこん)おろしを入(い)れたつゆがよく合(あ)う。
Dipping sauce with grated daikon goes well with tempura.
Grated daikon is said to aid digestion, so it is often served alongside greasy dishes.

A compound of 大根(だいこん) (daikon radish) and おろし (grated, from 下(お)ろす meaning to grate). One of the most essential condiments in Japanese cuisine.

Common collocations

  • 大根(だいこん)おろしを添(そ)える: to serve grated daikon as a garnish
  • 大根(だいこん)おろしアート: decorative shapes made from grated daikon
  • おろしポン酢(ず): grated daikon with ponzu sauce
  • おろし蕎麦(そば): soba noodles topped with grated daikon

Related words

  • おろし金(がね): grater (the tool used to grate daikon)
  • 薬味(やくみ): condiment, garnish — the broader category that includes grated daikon
  • もみじおろし: grated daikon mixed with chili pepper, creating a red-tinged condiment

Cultural note

大根(だいこん)おろし is believed to contain digestive enzymes that help break down fats, which is why it traditionally accompanies 天(てん)ぷら, 焼(や)き魚(ざかな), and other rich dishes. The tip of the daikon produces spicier おろし, while the top portion closer to the leaves is milder and sweeter.