Dưa Leo Ngâm Nước Mắm, or crispy pickled cucumbers in fish sauce, is a vibrant and essential part of the Vietnamese Tết celebration. This refreshing side dish, with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, cuts through the richness of traditional festive meals. The crunchy texture of the cucumbers, combined with the umami depth of the fish sauce, creates an addictive flavour profile that’s both familiar and exciting. This recipe is more than just a side; it's a taste of tradition, a symbol of prosperity, and a testament to the ingenuity of Vietnamese cuisine.
Beyond its festive significance, Dưa Leo Ngâm Nước Mắm is surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring readily available ingredients and minimal cooking time. Its bright, refreshing qualities make it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to noodle soups. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and celebratory pickle? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1 kg
- Chili pepper (non-spicy): 1
- Chili pepper: 3
- Garlic: 1 meter
- Spices
- Fish sauce
- Sugar: 80g + 100g
- Water: 100ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and use the skin. Choose firm cucumbers of the right size. Cut off both ends, then cut the cucumber in half and remove the seeds.
- Scrape the inside of the cucumber with a spoon to remove excess water. Cut the cucumber diagonally into approximately 2cm pieces.
Step 2. Initial Marinating
- Slice the chili pepper and garlic. Chop the remaining garlic and chili peppers.
- In a bowl, mix 80g of sugar (or salt), sliced garlic, and chopped chilies with the cucumbers. Let it sit for 2 hours to release water and soften.
- After 2 hours, mix the cucumber well to distribute the water evenly. The cucumbers should be a bit chewy.
Step 3. Make the Fish Sauce Mixture
- In a thick pot, caramelize 2 tablespoons of sugar over low heat, shaking constantly to prevent burning. Add 100ml of water, 100ml of fish sauce, and the remaining 100g sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 4. Final Marinating and Chilling
- Add the garlic and chili to the fish sauce mixture once it has cooled completely. Add the cucumbers and let it soak for at least 5 hours, or overnight for a darker color and richer flavor.
- After 5 hours (or overnight), the cucumbers will be soft, colored, and infused with spices. Refrigerate to preserve crispness.
Read more: Crunchy Pickled Firecracker Eggplant: A Vietnamese Recipe
Tips
- Use firm, appropriately sized cucumbers for best results. Removing the seeds helps prevent excessive water release.
- If using salt instead of sugar, wash and squeeze the cucumbers to remove excess salt after soaking.
- Let the fish sauce mixture cool completely before adding the cucumbers; warm fish sauce may make the cucumbers mushy.
- For a richer color and flavor, let the cucumbers soak for 1-2 additional days at room temperature before refrigerating.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. How long does it take to make Crispy Pickled Cucumber with Fish Sauce?
The pickling process itself is quick, taking about 10-15 minutes to prepare the cucumbers and mix the ingredients. However, you'll need to let them pickle for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the best flavor and crispness.
2. Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! Start with a smaller amount of chili, and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
3. How long can I store the pickled cucumbers?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your pickled cucumbers will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week. They'll likely be gone before then, though!
This simple yet flavourful Dưa Leo Ngâm Nước Mắm is a perfect addition to any Vietnamese Tết celebration, or indeed, any meal needing a refreshing and crunchy element. Its vibrant taste and ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll return to time and again. So gather your ingredients, and experience the delightful taste of tradition!