Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley (Printable View)
Crispy daikon, carrots, and cucumber pickled in sweet-tangy brine for authentic Vietnamese flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium daikon radish (about 10.5 ounces), peeled and julienned
02 - 2 medium carrots (about 7 ounces), peeled and julienned
03 - 1 small cucumber (about 5.25 ounces), deseeded and julienned
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 2–3 mild red chilies, thinly sliced
→ Pickling Brine
06 - 1 cup rice vinegar
07 - 1 cup water
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
→ Optional Flavorings
10 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
11 - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine the julienned daikon, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper in a large mixing bowl. For maximum crispiness, sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt over the vegetables, toss thoroughly, and let stand for 15 minutes. Rinse under cold running water and drain completely.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir continuously until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat and allow brine to cool to room temperature.
03 - Layer the prepared vegetables, chilies, garlic slices, and peppercorns into a clean 1-quart glass jar or container, packing tightly to minimize air pockets.
04 - Pour the cooled brine over the vegetables, ensuring all pieces are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly with the lid.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For optimal flavor development, marinate overnight. Store refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These pickles transform ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary in just two hours
- The sweet tangy brine works as a refreshing side dish or the perfect banh mi topping
02 -
- That pre salting step makes the difference between mushy and satisfyingly crisp vegetables
- These pickles actually get better after a few days, so make them ahead of time
03 -
- Use a mandoline if you want perfectly uniform julienne strips
- Always use a clean jar and utensils to keep the pickles fresh longer