Pickled vegetables are always an indispensable part of dishes such as broken rice, banh mi, grilled Nem Nha Trang, grilled Nem Hue, and banh xeo. Vietnamese pickled vegetables come in various types made from different ingredients like pickled mustard greens, pickled cucumbers, sweet and sour pickled carrots and daikon radishes, pickled eggplants, and kimchi. Each dish provides a unique experience. Among the pickled varieties, carrot and daikon radish are among the most popular and widely enjoyed. Moreover, you can easily make these dishes at home, saving money and ensuring hygiene. Today, Food Vietnamese will share with you the popular recipe for making quick, tangy, and crunchy pickled daikon radish and carrots that is extremely appetizing.
How to Make Vietnamese Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish?
With their refreshing tangy flavor and nutritional value, pickled carrots and daikon radish are a healthy and convenient choice to accompany daily meals.
Ingredients for Pickled Vegetables:
- 500g carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 500g daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- A few fresh chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup filtered water
Vietnamese Daikon and Carrot Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel the carrots and daikon radish, then slice them thinly, about 2-3mm thick. Slice the shallot thinly. Mince the garlic and thinly slice the fresh chilies (if using).
Step 2: Pickling Daikon and Carrot
Place the carrots, daikon radish, shallots, garlic, and chilies (if using) into a large bowl. Prepare the pickling solution by mixing the vinegar, sugar, and salt with the filtered water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour the pickling solution over the vegetables and gently mix. Use a plate or something heavy to press down on the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged in the solution.
Let the vegetables pickle in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. During this time, occasionally remove the plate and press down on the vegetables to ensure they remain submerged.
Step 3: Completion
After 1-2 days, the pickled carrots and daikon radish will be fermented and will have a balanced sour, salty, and sweet taste. Remove them from the solution, drain, and transfer to a clean glass jar.
They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for future use. The pickles will retain their crispness, mild sweetness, and fragrant aroma for about 2-3 weeks if properly stored.
Pickled carrots and daikon radish can be served with a variety of dishes such as rice, pho, banh mi, salads, and spring rolls. They can also be used as an ingredient in sour soup, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
Notes:
- Choose fresh, firm carrots and daikon radish that are free from pests and diseases.
- You can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Replacing white sugar with rock sugar can be healthier.
- You can add additional spices like turmeric, ginger, or pepper according to your taste.
- After fermentation, pickles should be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
Delicious Dishes to Enjoy with Pickles
In Vietnamese cuisine, pickles are an indispensable side dish that accompanies many other dishes, bringing a fresh, tangy, sweet, and crunchy element. Pickled daikon radish and carrots, with their mild sourness, pair perfectly with many main dishes such as:
- Pickles with Bun Cha: The traditional Bun Cha with flavorful grilled meat pairs harmoniously with pickled daikon radish and carrots, combining the sweet and rich taste of the meat, the tangy spiciness of the dipping sauce, and the crunchy, refreshing pickles.
- Pickles with Banh Mi: A Banh Mi filled with meat, pâté, cucumbers, and more becomes perfect with the addition of crunchy pickled daikon radish and carrots.
- Pickles with Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled meat served with fresh vegetables, noodles, and pickled daikon radish and carrots creates a distinctive and appealing flavor.
- Pickles with Com Tam: Com Tam with grilled meat, egg, and pickled daikon radish and carrots is a perfect combination of familiar flavors in Vietnamese cuisine.
Pickled carrots and daikon radish are not just simple side dishes but are an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine. Their sweet, sour, and crunchy texture enhances and balances the flavors of main dishes, making them stand out. Enjoying traditional Vietnamese dishes with these pickles is a wonderful and unforgettable culinary experience.
How long do pickles last, and are they good for your health?
Depending on the ingredients, components, preparation method, and proper storage conditions, pickles can be preserved for about 1-3 months at room temperature.
For longer preservation, store pickles in an airtight container to avoid exposure to air, light, and high temperatures. Especially, keeping them in the refrigerator at 4-10°C will extend their usability. Additionally, before consuming pickles, check for signs of spoilage such as unusual odors, abnormal sourness, or mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the pickles immediately to ensure food safety.
According to scientific research, pickled vegetables contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for health, especially when prepared and stored properly.
Eating fermented pickles can improve digestion, enhance gut health, lower cholesterol, and blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. Some studies suggest that the sulfur compounds in pickled vegetables may help prevent cancer.
However, it is important to note that pickles are sour and salty, so they should be consumed in moderation. People with stomach or duodenal issues should limit their intake of pickles. For those on a diet, pickles can also be a good choice.
Pickled carrots and daikon radish can be made at home with basic ingredients and an easy recipe that takes just a few hours, providing a delicious dish to enjoy with your family. When eaten, these pickles offer a mild sourness, crunchiness, and a refreshing taste, perfect to accompany main dishes without being overwhelming. Follow Food Vietnamese’s recipe to create a tasty dish, and good luck!
