Pickled Daikon Radish - Quick and Easy Recipe

I love pickles, they always satisfy the craving for something savory. Today, I am sharing my recipe for easy pickled daikon radish. If you're a fan of tangy, crunchy, and downright delicious pickles, this one's for you. It’s a simple, quick, and tasty recipe.  This recipe is foolproof whether you've pickled veggies before or not. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to try a new vegetable or use that daikon radish you picked up at the store or farmers’ market.

Give this recipe a try, and experiment with different variations, pickling is not just about preserving food; it’s about creating something flavorful and fun. We love making batches of our pickled fennel and carrots and pickled onions to brighten up our Mediterranean Sandwich, Beet and apple salad, or rice bowls.

What is Daikon Radish?

Daikon radish, also referred to as Japanese radish or winter radish, is a long, white root vegetable resembling a large fat carrot. It's a staple in many Asian cuisines, unlike its smaller, spicier red radish cousins, daikon is more mellow but equally crispy.

Daikon radishes are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, and they're packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Where to Find Daikon Radish

You can find daikon radishes at most grocery stores, especially those with a good selection of root vegetables. If you're lucky enough to have an Asian grocery store nearby, that's your best bet. Asian grocery stores often carry the freshest, biggest and most affordable daikon radishes. Look for firm, smooth-skinned daikon without any blemishes or soft spots!

Ingredients

• Daikon Radish: provides great crunch and mild flavor.
• Carrots: Add a sweet and vibrant contrast to the daikon.
• Jalapeño Pepper: Gives a touch of heat.
• Ginger: Fresh, grated ginger adds warmth, depth, and a slight spiciness to the pickling liquid.
• Garlic (Optional): If you love garlic, add it for extra flavor.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar: This vinegar brings a sweet and tangy flavor to the pickles. If you don't have it, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a little sugar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a fruity, tart note that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt and Sugar: Use to balance the flavors and help with the pickling process.
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the salt and sugar, and speeds the pickling process.

How to Pickle Daikon Radish

1. Prep Your Veggies: Start by cutting daikon and carrots into matchsticks. Thinly slice your jalapeño, and if you're using garlic, grate it along with the ginger.
2. Pack the Jar: Grab a clean and dry 4-cup glass jar (recycling old sauce or olive jars works great). Pack the daikon, carrots, and jalapeño tightly into the jar. Don't be shy—press them down so they all fit snugly.
3. Make the Pickling Liquid: In a bowl, mix the grated ginger, garlic, boiling water, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
4. Pour and Seal: Pour the pickling liquid over the veggies in the jar. If there's room, left in the jar top it off with more boiling water until it’s about ¼ inch from the rim. All the veggies should be covered. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
5. Shake and Wait: Close the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix everything up, then let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. After that, pop it in the fridge. Your pickles will be ready in just two hours!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: For more heat, add extra jalapeño slices, habanero pepper for super heat or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pickling liquid.
• Sweeter Pickles: If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase the amount of sugar or use seasoned rice vinegar.
• Herbal Twist: Add a few sprigs of fresh dill or cilantro for a herby flavor.
• Different Types of Vinegar: Experiment with different kinds of vinegar like white vinegar or red wine vinegar to find your favorite combination.

How to Use Pickled Daikon Radish

• Banh Mi Sandwiches: Add a layer of pickled daikon and carrots to your vegan banh mi for that authentic crunch and tang.
• Korean BBQ: Serve these pickles with your Korean BBQ for a refreshing contrast.
• Salads: Toss them into your favorite salad for an extra zing.
• Rice Bowls: Top your rice bowls with pickled daikon for added texture and flavor.
• Tacos: Use them as a topping for your tacos.
• Snacks: Enjoy them straight out of the jar as a crunchy, tangy snack.

More Pickled Veggies You'll Love

• Pickled Fennel and Carrots
• Pickled onions
• Pink Pickled turnips

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