Vietnamese Pickle Medley
This dish features a colorful assortment of crunchy cucumbers, tangy daikon, and fragrant garlic, pickled in a vinegary mixture. The vegetables are sliced and combined with aromatic toasted rice and citrus zest, resulting in a vibrant, textural medley with a bright, tangy flavor and crisp appearance.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Toasting Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Jar or Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber sliced into thin matchsticks
- 1 small daikon radish peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons rice for toasting and grinding
- 1 teaspoon citrus zest from lime or lemon
- 0.5 cup vinegar white or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder for aroma and texture
Instructions
- Start by slicing the cucumber and daikon into thin matchsticks, creating colorful, uniform strips that will be crunchy when pickled.
- Toast the rice in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then transfer to a mortar or spice grinder to grind into a coarse powder.
- In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and citrus zest, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This creates a tangy, aromatic pickling liquid.
- Add the sliced vegetables to the pickling liquid, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to start softening and absorbing flavors.
- Stir in the minced garlic and toasted rice powder, which will add depth, aroma, and a slight crunch, enhancing the texture of the vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture into a jar or airtight container, pressing down gently to pack the vegetables tightly and ensure they are submerged in the pickling liquid.
- Seal the container and let the pickles sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more developed flavor and crunch.
- Once ready, remove the pickles from the fridge, give them a quick stir, and taste—adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Vietnamese pickle medley as a vibrant, crunchy side dish, or top grilled meats for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
For added flavor, include a pinch of chili flakes or fresh herbs like cilantro when serving.