Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
砂糖の50倍の甘さ！？漢方薬の王様が料理に深いコクを出す
Description
The root of a legume called the 'Elder Statesman' (most important medicine) in Chinese herbal medicine. Used more as a 'natural sweetener' than a spice. Boasts intense sweetness dozens of times stronger than sugar. Adding just a few slices to braising broths (Lu Shui) yields a 'deep, lingering sweetness' and medicinal flavor sugar cannot produce.
Classification: Hardcore, Spice, Medicinal, Licorice, For Braising, Sweetener, Traditional Medicine
Shops selling Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
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How to use
Ingredients
- Dried roots/rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(Licorice)
Instructions
- [Typical Uses]
- [Lu Shui Secret Sweetness]: Add 1-
- slices along with star anise, cinnamon, and soy to elevate the overall mellow sweetness of the broth.
- Secret ingredient in spiced beef/mutton braises.
- Drink as tea (Gan Cao Cha) to soothe sore throats.
Learn more Substitutes, pairings, tips
Key spices
Distinct strong sweetness lingering in the throat、unlike sugar、with medicinal aroma
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Unique aroma/sweetness nature makes it hard to substitute. Supplement sweetness with sugar/honey)
Pairing
Lu Shui (All Master Stocks) / Braised Beef/Mutton
Trivia
Famous in the West as the ingredient for black 'Licorice candy' (often called the world's worst-tasting candy). In Chinese cuisine, this sweetness is used as the 'ultimate support' to create profound depth in dishes.
Eating tips & etiquette
Looks like 'thinly sliced wooden twigs'. Because the sweetness is so strong, '1-2 slices' is plenty for a home-sized pot. Caution: over-adding turns the entire dish into 'medicinal syrup'.
Allergen
None