Have you ever heard of a carrot and daikon quick pickle? This is just one of the amazing flavors that help make the Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich, a street food favorite. It adds a lovely color and a slightly sweet crunch to a savory and spicy sandwich.
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Simple Asian-Inspired Quick Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radishes
These are super easy to make. This recipe makes three jars.
The hardest part is preparing the carrots and daikon. After you make the brine, just pour it over the vegetables in the glass jars.
If you can, let them sit for 20 minutes for the flavor to seep through the vegetables. They are even better if you can let them sit in the refrigerator overnight as the briny flavor will be perfect.
What is a Daikon Radish?
Unless your grocery store carries this vegetable, you may have never had the opportunity to try a daikon radish.
The daikon is a large white radish that is often 6-inches to 10-inches long. It is a relative of the cabbage family and therefore can have that same pungent sulfuric smell.
When I was making the banh mi sandwich recipe, it caused me to go out of my way to find this radish because it is a traditional ingredient in that delicious recipe.
Does Daikon Radish Smell?
Yes, they are rather smelly. Radishes are relatives to the cabbage family. Like cabbage radishes have sulfur compounds which I assume is what you are smelling.
When the radishes are whole, their smell is a bit earthy and mild. However, when the radish is peeled and sliced, it can have a bit stronger sulfur smell.
How Can You Reduce the Smell of Daikon Radishes?
Leave them whole until you are preparing your recipe. Rinsing in water may help. For this quick pickle recipe, make sure to seal the jars tight or even put a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the jar before adding the lid.
Julienne the Vegetables
When julienning these vegetables, the goal is to make very thin match sticks about 1.5-2 inches long. As you can see from mine, they are not as thin as I would like.
Looks like I need to practice my knife skills some more.
You might be wondering Why Julienne Vegetables
Here are a few reasons to julienne the carrots and daikon. However, this would apply to other vegetables and fruits too.
- Small bites are easier to eat.
- These thin strips make a pretty garnish for salads, appetizers, and soups.
- The crunchy texture of these small bites add texture for sandwiches.
- If cooking ingredients, they will cook quickly and at the same rate.
How to Julienne Carrots and Daikon
Peel your carrots and daikon and trim the ends. Next cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Next slice off a thin slice. Roll the carrot or daikon to the flat surface. This will keep it from rolling as you continue making thin lengthwise slices.
Then stack a few of those thinly sliced plants on top of each other and thinly slice again lengthwise. This will make thin matchstick strips.
Save Time with a Food processor
If you are short on time or maybe spending the time to julienne the carrots and daikon is not your thing. No worries. Peel and cut off the ends, trim to 2-inches and let the food processor make slices with the julienne blade. Make sure to place in the food processor lengthwise. It is done in minutes.
How Long will Pickled Carrots and Daikon Last?
I have had this last in the refrigerator up to eight weeks with no problems. However, since the daikon can be a bit smelly, make sure that the jars are tightly sealed.
Carrot and Daikon Quick Pickle Snack
Find out how many things you end up adding these delicious gems to. It is great in sandwiches, soups, and salads too.
Carrot and Daikon Quick Pickle
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium Carrots cut into matchsticks or shredded
- 1-2 medium Daikon Radish cut into matchsticks or shredded
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Cups White Vinegar or Rice Vinegar
- 2 Cups Water
text ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare carrots and daikon by peeling and julienning or using the food processor to get thin matchsticks.
- Pack the daikon and carrots into three sanitized pint-sized canning jars.
- In a saucepan, add the salt, water, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour hot brine mixture over carrots and daikon until covered. Screw on jar lids and store in fridge.
- These can be used after 20 minutes. Overnight is even better for the brine to fully integrate with the vegetables. Use in your favorite recipe.
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Notes
How Can You Reduce the Smell of Daikon Radishes?
Leave them whole until you are preparing your recipe. Rinsing in water may help. For this quick pickle recipe, make sure to seal the jars tight or even put a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the jar before adding the lid.How to Julienne Carrots and Daikon
Peel your carrots and daikon and trim the ends. Next cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces. Next slice off a thin slice. Roll the carrot or daikon to the flat surface. This will keep it from rolling as you continue making thin lengthwise slices. Then stack a few of those thinly sliced plants on top of each other and thinly slice again lengthwise. This will make thin matchstick strips.Save Time with a Food processor
If you are short on time or maybe spending the time to julienne the carrots and daikon is not your thing. No worries. Peel and cut off the ends, trim to 2-inches and let the food processor make slices with the julienne blade. Make sure to place in the food processor lengthwise. It is done in minutes.How Long will Pickled Carrots and Daikon Last?
I have had this last in the refrigerator up to eight weeks with no problems. However, since the daikon can be a bit smelly, make sure that the jars are tightly sealed.Nutrition
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I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.