Chinese Pickled Daikon Recipe: A Tangy and Delicious Side Dish

If you're looking to add a new twist to your pickling game, why not try making a Chinese pickled daikon recipe? Daikon radish is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is commonly used in pickling. Pickling is a traditional method of preserving food that has been around for thousands of years and is still popular today.

Selecting the right ingredients is important in creating a successful pickled daikon recipe. Look for fresh daikon radish that is firm and has a smooth skin. You'll also need vinegar, sugar, and salt to create the pickling liquid. Chinese pickled daikon can be flavoured with a variety of ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and chili pepper.

Preparation techniques may vary depending on the recipe, but generally, the daikon radish is cut into thin slices or small cubes before being placed into the pickling liquid. The pickling process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the desired level of fermentation. Once the pickled daikon is ready, it can be served as a side dish or used as a condiment to add flavour to a variety of dishes.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese pickled daikon is a delicious and healthy addition to your pickling repertoire.
• Fresh daikon radish, vinegar, sugar, and salt are the main ingredients needed to create the pickling liquid.
• Pickled daikon can be flavoured with a variety of ingredients and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Selecting Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese pickled daikon, selecting the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavours. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your pickled daikon recipe.

Choosing the Right Daikon

The daikon, also known as the white radish, is the star ingredient in this recipe. When selecting your daikon, look for one that is firm, heavy and has a smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes.

It's important to choose a daikon that is fresh, as older daikon can be bitter and fibrous. If you're unsure how fresh your daikon is, give it a sniff – it should have a clean, slightly sweet smell.

Vinegar Varieties

Vinegar is a key ingredient in pickled daikon, and there are several varieties to choose from. Rice vinegar is a popular choice, as it has a delicate flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. You can also use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

If you want to add a bit of spice to your pickled daikon, consider using a vinegar infused with chili pepper. This will give your pickles a subtle kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the daikon.

Spices and Seasonings

To give your pickled daikon a flavourful boost, consider adding some spices and seasonings to the pickling liquid. Garlic, ginger and chili pepper are all popular choices, as they add depth and complexity to the flavour profile.

In addition to spices, you'll also need to add sugar and salt to the pickling liquid. The sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar, while the salt helps to draw out excess moisture from the daikon.

The key to selecting the right ingredients for your pickled daikon recipe is to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other well. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious and healthy snack that's perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning and Peeling

Before starting to prepare your Chinese pickled daikon recipe, you need to make sure you have a clean and fresh daikon. First, wash the daikon thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the daikon. Make sure to remove all the skin, as it can be tough and bitter.

Cutting the Daikon

After cleaning and peeling the daikon, it's time to cut it. You want to cut the daikon into thin rounds, so it's crunchy and easy to eat. You can use a sharp knife to cut the daikon, or a mandoline slicer to make it easier. If you want to get creative, you can also use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes.

Once you have cut the daikon, you can start preparing the pickling liquid. Combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a pot, and bring it to a boil. Then, let it cool to room temperature before adding the daikon slices. Allow the daikon to sit in the pickling liquid for at least an hour before serving.

Preparing Chinese pickled daikon is a simple process that requires a little bit of preparation. By following these steps, you can create a delicious and crunchy pickled vegetable that is perfect for adding to your favourite dishes.

Pickling Process

Creating the Brine

To make the pickling brine for Chinese pickled daikon, you will need to combine water, rice vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. The ratio of these ingredients will depend on your personal preference. For a sweeter brine, use more sugar, and for a saltier brine, use more salt.

To create the brine, start by heating the water in a pot. Once the water is hot, add the sugar and salt and stir until they are dissolved. Then, add the rice vinegar and white vinegar and stir again.

The Pickling Method

Once you have created the brine, it's time to start pickling the daikon. First, wash and peel the daikon, then slice it into thin rounds or strips.

Next, place the daikon in a clean jar or container. Pour the pickling brine over the daikon, making sure that it is completely covered.

To help with the pickling process, you can add some additional flavourings to the jar. For example, you could add garlic, ginger, or chilli flakes. These will infuse the daikon with extra flavour as it ferments.

Once you have added your flavourings, seal the jar or container and leave it at room temperature for several days. The length of time required for pickling will depend on the temperature of your room and your personal preference.

During the fermentation process, the brine will become cloudy and the daikon will soften. This is a sign that the pickling process is working. Once the daikon has reached your desired level of tanginess, you can move it to the fridge to slow down the fermentation process.

Pickled daikon is not only a tasty addition to Chinese cuisine, but it is also a great source of probiotics due to the fermentation process. So, go ahead and try making your own pickled daikon with this simple pickling process.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Accompaniments

Pickled daikon is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of dishes. It adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavour and crunch to any meal. Here are some accompaniments that go well with pickled daikon:

• Sandwiches: Add pickled daikon to your favourite sandwich to give it a refreshing crunch. It pairs especially well with banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that typically includes pickled vegetables, meat, and fresh herbs.
• Soups: Sprinkle some pickled daikon on top of your favourite soup for an extra burst of flavour and texture. It goes particularly well with noodle soups, such as pho or ramen.
• Sushi: Serve pickled daikon alongside your sushi rolls for a zesty contrast to the rich fish and rice. It can also be used as a filling in vegetarian sushi rolls.
• Salads: Toss pickled daikon into your salad for a refreshing crunch. It pairs well with Asian-inspired salads, such as a sesame ginger salad.
• Tacos: Add pickled daikon to your tacos for a unique twist on traditional toppings. It pairs especially well with fish tacos.

Incorporation in Dishes

Pickled daikon can also be incorporated into dishes for an extra burst of flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Spring rolls: Add pickled daikon to your spring rolls for a refreshing crunch. It pairs well with shrimp, chicken, or tofu spring rolls.
• Hot dogs: Top your hot dog with pickled daikon for a zesty twist on traditional toppings. It pairs well with Asian-inspired hot dogs, such as a teriyaki hot dog.
• Banh mi: Use pickled daikon as a filling in your banh mi sandwich for a tangy crunch. It pairs well with grilled meat or tofu, fresh herbs, and spicy mayo.
• Noodles: Toss pickled daikon into your noodle dish for a zesty crunch. It pairs well with stir-fried noodles or cold noodle salads.

Pickled daikon is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways to add a tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavour to your meals.

Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Content

Pickled daikon is a low-calorie food that contains only 18 calories per 100 grams. It is also low in fat, with only 0.1 grams of fat per 100 grams. Pickled daikon is a good source of dietary fibre, with 1.6 grams of fibre per 100 grams. It is also low in carbohydrates, with only 3.9 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. Pickled daikon is not a significant source of protein, with only 0.6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Dietary Benefits

Pickled daikon is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. It also contains potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health. Pickled daikon is also a good source of calcium and iron, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and preventing anaemia.

Pickled daikon is a great food for gut health. It contains dietary fibre, which helps to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. The fibre in pickled daikon also helps to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help to improve overall gut health.

In summary, pickled daikon is a low-calorie food that is high in dietary fibre and important vitamins and minerals. It is a great food for gut health and can help to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make Chinese-style pickled daikon?

The simplest way to make Chinese-style pickled daikon is to slice the daikon into thin rounds or matchsticks and place them in a jar with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. You can also add other flavourings such as garlic, ginger, or chilli flakes to the pickling liquid. Once the daikon is submerged in the pickling liquid, store it in the fridge for at least a day before consuming.

How long can you keep pickled daikon before it goes off?

Pickled daikon can last for several weeks in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. However, it's best to consume it within a week or two to ensure freshness and quality.

Can you tell me if pickled daikon is good for your health?

Pickled daikon can be a healthy addition to your diet as it is low in calories and high in fibre. It also contains vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that can boost your immune system. However, pickled daikon can be high in sodium, so it's best to consume it in moderation.

Are Chinese radish and daikon actually the same thing?

Chinese radish and daikon are two different names for the same vegetable. Daikon is a type of radish that is commonly used in Asian cuisine, including Chinese cuisine.

What are the best accompaniments for pickled daikon?

Pickled daikon can be served as a side dish or condiment with a variety of dishes, including rice, noodles, and stir-fries. It pairs well with savoury dishes that are rich and heavy, such as fried chicken or pork belly. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches or burgers.

What's the difference between Chinese and Korean pickled daikon recipes?

Chinese and Korean pickled daikon recipes are similar in that they both use daikon radish and a pickling liquid made from vinegar, sugar, and salt. However, Korean pickled daikon, also known as danmuji, is often dyed yellow with turmeric and has a slightly sweeter flavour compared to Chinese pickled daikon.