Zesty Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley Recipe for Fresh Meals

Crisp and zesty vietnamese vegetable pickle medley brings a refreshing crunch to any meal.

Colorful vegetables dance with tangy vinegar and aromatic spices.

Pickles offer a vibrant side dish that surprises your palate.

Bright flavors mingle in a simple yet sophisticated preparation.

Traditional techniques blend with modern culinary creativity for an irresistible condiment.

Each bite promises a delightful burst of freshness and excitement.

You’ll want to share this easy-to-make recipe with everyone at the table.

Crunchy, Tangy, and Bursting with Zing – Here’s the Hype

• Customize with Creativity: Mix and match vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, making this recipe a versatile culinary adventure.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Enhance any meal with these tangy, crunchy pickled vegetables that add instant zest and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, or main dishes.
• Simple Preparation Magic: Transform ordinary vegetables into a gourmet condiment with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.
• Healthy Refrigerator Staple: Pack a nutritious punch with probiotics and low-calorie vegetables that stay fresh and ready to elevate your meals throughout the week.

Vietnamese Pickles: What’s in the Jar?

• Carrots: Crisp root vegetables that add a sweet and earthy crunch to the pickle medley.
• Daikon Radish: A mild white radish that provides a refreshing and slightly peppery flavor.
• Cucumber: Adds a cool and hydrating element to the pickle mix.
• Red Onion: Brings a sharp and tangy flavor with a beautiful purple color.

• Rice Vinegar: A mild and slightly sweet vinegar that forms the base of the pickling solution.
• Water: Helps to dilute the vinegar and balance the pickling solution.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to counterbalance the tangy vinegar.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps in the pickling process.

• Garlic, Ginger, Red Chili Pepper: Add depth, warmth, and a spicy kick to the pickle medley.
• Cilantro: Contributes a fresh, bright, and herbaceous note to the final dish.

Quick Pickle Fix – Your Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Slice and Prep Colorful Veggies

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin strips of carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, and red onion. Aim for elegant, matchstick-like cuts that will look beautiful and ensure even pickling.

• Carrots
• Daikon radish
• Cucumber
• Red onion

Step 2: Create Magical Pickling Liquid

In a non-reactive saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar and salt completely dissolve into a smooth, aromatic base.

• Rice vinegar
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Thinly sliced red chili pepper (optional)

Step 4: Pack Vegetables in Jar

Select a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Layer the julienned vegetables carefully, packing them snugly but not too tightly.

Step 5: Pour and Submerge

Gently pour the aromatic pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely covered by the liquid.

Step 6: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal.

Step 7: Chill and Develop Flavors

Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The pickle medley will stay crisp and delicious for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Zippy Tips for Crunchy Vietnamese Pickles

• Sterilize Storage Container: Wash the glass jar thoroughly with hot, soapy water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure pickle safety.
• Master Uniform Cutting: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create even, thin vegetable strips for consistent pickling and professional-looking results.
• Balance Pickling Liquid: Stir sugar and salt completely in the vinegar mixture to create a harmonious sweet-tangy flavor profile that enhances vegetable taste.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red chili pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, adding more for extra kick or removing for a milder version.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Refrigerate pickles for at least 1 hour, allowing vegetables to fully absorb the aromatic liquid and develop deep, complex tastes.

Make It Yours – Flavor Spins on Vietnamese Pickles

• Low-Sodium Pickle Blend: Replace regular salt with a low-sodium alternative or reduce salt quantity, using herbs like dill or basil to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Korean-Style Pickle Mix: Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and gochujang (Korean chili paste) to create a fiery, tangy version with deeper Korean-inspired flavors.
• Vegan Probiotic Pickle Medley: Incorporate apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar and add a splash of kombucha for extra probiotic benefits, suitable for plant-based diets.
• Sugar-Free Pickle Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, maintaining sweetness while reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly preparation.

Banh Mi to BBQ – What Loves a Pickle?

• Pair Pickled Crunch with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside char-grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp to balance the tangy pickle with rich, smoky meat flavors.
• Complement with Vietnamese Rolls: Wrap these zesty pickled vegetables inside fresh spring rolls or bánh mì sandwiches for an authentic taste explosion that adds bright crunch.
• Match with Light, Crisp Beverages: Enjoy with a cold Vietnamese beer like Bia Hanoi or a refreshing jasmine green tea that cuts through the pickle's acidity and enhances the vegetable's vibrant notes.
• Create Texture Contrast with Rice Dishes: Scatter these pickled vegetables over steamed jasmine rice or use as a topping for rice bowls to introduce a sharp, refreshing element that breaks up bland textures.

From Fridge to Feast – Keeping Pickles Fresh

• Transfer pickled vegetables to an airtight glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping them submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Not recommended as freezing will drastically change the texture and crunch of the pickled vegetables, causing them to become soft and lose their signature crisp quality.
• These pickles are best enjoyed cold as a refreshing side dish; gently bring to room temperature before serving to enhance their vibrant flavors and maintain their crisp texture.
• When serving leftovers, use clean utensils to prevent contamination and always return the jar to the refrigerator immediately after use to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Curious About These Pickles? We’ve Got Answers

• What type of vinegar works best for this pickle recipe?

Rice vinegar is ideal due to its mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements Vietnamese cuisine perfectly, creating a balanced and authentic taste.

• Can I adjust the spiciness level of the pickles?

Yes, control the heat by adding more or fewer red chili peppers. You can also remove the seeds for a milder version or add extra slices for more kick.

• Is it necessary to use all the suggested vegetables?

No, you can customize the vegetable mix based on availability or preference. Just maintain similar thin, uniform cuts to ensure consistent pickling and texture.

• How do I ensure the vegetables stay crisp during pickling?

Use fresh, firm vegetables and slice them thinly. Don’t over-pickle; refrigerate for at least an hour but consume within a week to maintain their crunchy texture.

Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp vietnamese vegetable pickle medley brings zesty garden flavors dancing across your palate with tangy, refreshing notes. Crunchy vegetables pickled in aromatic vinegar create a perfect side dish that delights senses and complements any main course you serve.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 cups carrots, julienned
• 1.5 cups daikon radish, julienned
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Pickling Solution:

• 0.75 cup rice vinegar
• 0.5 cup water
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) sugar
• 2 tsp (10 g) salt

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid to store the pickled vegetables.
2. Slice carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, and red onion into uniform, thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent texture.
3. In a non-reactive saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt completely dissolve.
4. Remove the pickling liquid from heat and let it cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
5. Mince garlic, grate fresh ginger, and finely chop cilantro. If using, thinly slice the red chili pepper.
6. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili pepper (if using) to the cooled pickling liquid, stirring to distribute the aromatics evenly.
7. Layer the julienned and sliced vegetables into the prepared jar, ensuring they are packed somewhat tightly but not compressed.
8. Carefully pour the aromatic pickling solution over the vegetables, making sure they are completely submerged.
9. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top of the vegetables for additional flavor and visual appeal.
10. Seal the jar with the lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to pickle.
11. The Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, maintaining its crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform vegetable strips, ensuring even pickling and a professional look.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting or omitting red chili pepper, making the pickle suitable for different spice tolerances.
• Create a low-sugar version by replacing sugar with stevia or reducing sugar quantity for a healthier alternative.
• Experiment with additional herbs like Thai basil or mint to introduce unique flavor profiles and regional variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 40
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg