Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a root vegetable with fibrous, hairy brown skin and crisp, white, mildly earthy flesh, cultivated across temperate Eurasia. It's best known by its Japanese name, gobo, where it's a staple in stir-fries, soups, braises, and pickles; it also appears in Chinese and Korean cooking (niu bang and u-eong, respectively), often in stir-fries and stews. Its flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and nutty, and it pairs well with soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and ginger. Choose roots that are firm and unblemished, since damaged ones spoil quickly.