Sweet Pickled Daikon

A Cherished Recipe

Sweet Pickled Daikon one of my favorite and Sweet Pickled Daikon is a recipe close to my heart. When I first tasted it at a Korean barbecue with friends, I was captivated by the crunchy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Sweet Pickled Daikon quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s so easy to make that I often prepare it whenever I have daikon radishes on hand. This delightful side dish not only adds flavor to my meals but also brings a burst of color to my table.

The Simple Process

Making Sweet Pickled Daikon is a simple process that anyone can master. I start by preparing the brine, mixing cold water, rice vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt in a saucepan. As I heat it up, I love watching the sugar dissolve, creating a glossy, inviting liquid. After that, I add sliced garlic, turmeric, black peppercorns, and bay leaves, which infuse the brine with aromatic flavors. The moment I pour the brine over the sliced daikon, I can already envision the crunchy pickles that will enhance my dishes.

The Anticipation of Flavor

The waiting is the hardest part! After letting the Sweet Pickled Daikon cool to room temperature, I transfer it to a jar and store it in the fridge. I always remind myself to be careful with turmeric; it can leave stubborn stains! But it’s worth it because after a day, the daikon takes on a vibrant color and absorbs all those delicious flavors. I often use these pickles as a refreshing side for my meals, adding a zesty touch to sandwiches and salads or serving them alongside grilled dishes.

Sweet Pickled Daikon is not just about the taste; it’s about sharing joy with family and friends. Whenever I have guests over, I make sure to have a jar ready. Their eyes light up when they try it, and I love hearing their reactions. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, Sweet Pickled Daikon always impresses. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients can create delightful dishes that bring people together.

Chef’s Notes- Sweet Pickled Daikon

• Slice Uniformly: Consistency in the thickness of daikon slices (4×1/4-inch strips) is crucial for even pickling. This ensures each piece absorbs the brine equally, leading to a more balanced flavor.
• Cooling Technique: If you’re in a hurry, speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath after preparing the brine. This reduces the overall resting time without compromising flavor.
• Infuse for Flavor: Allow the daikon to marinate in the brine for at least 24 hours for the best flavor. While you can eat them after a day, letting them sit longer enhances the taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pickle, feel free to increase the sugar to 3/4 cup, or try adding a touch of honey or agave syrup for a unique flavor twist.
• Experiment with Spice: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices like ginger slices or even a dash of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist. This recipe is highly adaptable!
• Storing Safely: Use a clean utensil each time you remove pickles from the jar to keep them fresh and prevent contamination. Consider using a dedicated pickling jar with a wide mouth for easy access.

Sweet Pickled Daikon

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Side DishCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

28

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

25

minutes

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Sweet Pickled Daikon Radish! This effortless recipe brings a delightful crunch and tangy sweetness to your meals, perfect for any occasion. Elevate your culinary game with a dish that’s both healthy and customizable. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or enhancing your weeknight dinners, these pickles are sure to impress. Join countless home chefs in creating this staple Korean side that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite!

Ingredients

• Brine Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups cold water

• 1 1/2 cups unflavored rice vinegar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• Flavorings

• 2 medium garlic cloves sliced lengthwise

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 15 whole black peppercorns

• 2 bay leaves

• Vegetables

• 1 pound peeled daikon radish sliced into 4×1/4-inch strips

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Rice Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.

• Granulated Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

• Kosher Salt: Can be replaced with sea salt or kosher pickling salt.

• Daikon Radish: Carrots or jicama can be used for a similar crunch.

• Turmeric Powder: Mustard powder or paprika can be used for color and flavor variation.

• Bay Leaves: Omit or use a small piece of cinnamon stick for a unique twist.

Directions

• Prepare the Brine: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cold water, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, approximately 5 minutes. This ensures a balanced and flavorful brine for your daikon.
• Add Aromatics: Once the brine is ready, remove the saucepan from heat. Introduce the sliced garlic, turmeric powder, black peppercorns, and bay leaves to the mixture. These spices infuse the brine with a rich, aromatic profile that enhances the pickles’ flavor.
• Incorporate the Daikon: Add the prepared daikon radish strips to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. To help the radish absorb the flavors, place a paper towel directly on the surface of the liquid. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which should take about 1 to 2 hours. For a quicker process, you can place the saucepan in an ice bath.
• Store the Pickles: Transfer both the daikon and the brine into a clean, airtight glass container. Seal the jar and refrigerate it. Be cautious of the turmeric staining if using a plastic container. Your Sweet Pickled Daikon will be ready to enjoy within a day and can be stored for up to one month.

Equipment

• large glass jar
• medium saucepan
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• paper towels

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 28kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 1mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs- Chef’s Notes- Sweet Pickled Daikon

How long can I store Sweet Pickled Daikon?

These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. They taste even better as they age, as the flavors continue to develop.

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes! While rice vinegar is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a different flavor profile. Each type of vinegar will give a unique tang.

What can I do if I don’t have daikon radish?

If daikon is unavailable, you can use carrots or jicama as a crunchy alternative. Both will work well with the sweet brine.

Are these pickles spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy. However, if you enjoy heat, consider adding a sliced fresh chili pepper or some red pepper flakes to the brine for a spicy kick.

How do I use Sweet Pickled Daikon?

These pickles are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic side dish for Korean meals, can be added to sandwiches, or used as a refreshing topping for salads and rice bowls. They also pair well with grilled meats and as part of a charcuterie board.