Description
Crunchy Vietnamese vegetable pickle medley brings zesty flavors dancing across your palate with remarkable freshness. Crisp vegetables marinated in tangy vinegar and spices create a delightful side dish you’ll crave alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small daikon radish, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Pickling Liquid:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
- Slice carrots, cucumbers, daikon, and bell peppers into uniform, thin matchstick-sized strips to ensure consistent pickling and texture.
- Create a vibrant pickling liquid by combining vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, heating until the granules completely dissolve and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Enhance the brine’s aromatic profile by introducing minced garlic, mustard seeds, and whole peppercorns, allowing these ingredients to infuse their complex flavors for approximately two minutes.
- Carefully transfer the freshly sliced vegetable medley into clean glass containers, creating an attractive, colorful layered arrangement.
- Gently pour the hot, fragrant pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring complete submersion and covering every piece.
- Allow the pickle mixture to cool naturally to room temperature, which helps the vegetables absorb the nuanced seasoning and develop a balanced flavor profile.
- Securely seal the jars with tight-fitting lids and place them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours, permitting the ingredients to marinate and develop a tangy, crisp character.
- Before serving, gently stir the pickled vegetables to redistribute the spices and ensure an even coating of the zesty brine.
Notes
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations like jicama, radishes, or green papaya for unique flavor profiles and textures.
- Adjust sugar levels to create a balanced sweet-tangy pickle that complements various dishes, from sandwiches to salads.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce salt content and use alternative spices like fresh herbs or chili flakes to maintain robust flavor intensity.
- Create a quick pickle by reducing refrigeration time to 4-6 hours, perfect for spontaneous meal prep and immediate crunchy vegetable accompaniments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 7.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg