Name: Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned; 1 large daikon radish, peeled and julienned; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cups water; 1 cup white vinegar; ½ cup sugar; 2 tablespoons salt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat); Fresh dill leaves; Fresh mint leaves

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Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Vietnamese Vegetable Pickle Medley. Crisp vegetables soaked in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy brine make a perfect side dish or condiment to brighten any meal.

A clear glass jar filled with a colorful mix of sliced cucumbers, red chili peppers, chopped cilantro, and crushed peanuts. The cucumber slices are pale green with dark green edges, layered evenly throughout, mixed with thin red chili slices and bright green cilantro leaves. The mixture glistens with a light sauce, and crushed peanuts are scattered over the top. The jar is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
1 large daikon radish, peeled and julienned
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
Fresh dill and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables by peeling and julienning the carrots and daikon radish. Thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper, then place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: If using chili, add the sliced chili to the brine and simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse heat.
Step 4: Pour the hot brine over the vegetables and stir gently to combine evenly.
Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it into a jar or airtight container.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop the best flavor.
Step 7: Before serving, garnish with fresh dill and mint leaves for added freshness and aroma.

Tips & Variations

For milder pickles, omit the chili or substitute with a small amount of black peppercorns.
Try adding other crunchy vegetables like green beans or cauliflower for more variety.
Use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more delicate taste.
Adjust sugar and salt to preference, balancing the sweet and savory flavors.

Storage

Store the pickle medley in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. The flavors deepen with time, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and always use clean utensils to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a clear glass jar filled with colorful pickled vegetables layered inside. The first layer at the bottom shows green cucumber slices with a glossy, wet texture. Above this are thick, curved white onion slices mixed with thin yellow bell pepper pieces. Bright red chili pepper slices and green chili rings are scattered throughout, adding splashes of red and green colors. Tiny white sesame seeds and red chili flakes are sprinkled on top, giving a textured, spicy look. The vegetables look fresh, shiny, and slightly wet inside the jar, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without daikon radish?

Yes, you can substitute daikon with other crunchy vegetables like jicama or turnips, which will provide a similar texture and mild flavor.

How long should I let the vegetables pickle before eating?

For the best flavor, refrigerate the pickled vegetables for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the vegetables to soak up the brine and develop a balanced taste.