Craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's both easy to make and bursting with flavour? Look no further than this recipe for Spicy Pickled Cabbage with Garlic & Chili, a beloved Vietnamese staple. This quick pickle is incredibly versatile, adding a delightful crunch and a spicy-tangy kick to any meal. Imagine the satisfying snap of perfectly pickled cabbage, infused with the pungent aroma of garlic and the fiery heat of chili – a delicious contrast of textures and tastes that will awaken your palate. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, banh mi sandwiches, or even as a standalone snack.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with just a few readily available ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform ordinary cabbage into an extraordinary culinary experience. Forget complicated pickling methods; this recipe is quick, straightforward, and delivers incredible results. Ready to dive in and create your own jar of this addictive condiment? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Jar
- Stove
- Blender
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Pickled Cabbage: 3 kg
- Garlic: 100g
- Chili Peppers: 2 (non-spicy, adjust to taste)
- Sugar: 2 small cups
- Fish Sauce: 1 cup (adjust if needed)
- Water: as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Sauce
- Gather pickled cabbage, garlic, chili peppers, sugar, fish sauce, and water.
- In a pan, combine sugar, fish sauce, and water. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Let cool. (Note: Adjust fish sauce amount if needed for desired consistency)
- Drain the water from your pickled cabbage. (If you don't have pre-made pickled cabbage, refer to the video for instructions on making crunchy, yellow pickled cabbage)
- Blend garlic and chili peppers until smooth. (Adjust chili amount for desired spiciness)
Step 2. Combine & Marinate
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pickled cabbage, blended garlic-chili mixture, and the cooled fish sauce mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3. Store
- Pack the marinated pickled cabbage into clean jars and store in the refrigerator for at least two weeks.
Read more: Crunchy Pickled Firecracker Eggplant: A Vietnamese Recipe
Tips
- For a crispier pickled cabbage, refer to the video for tips on preserving crunchiness.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Ensure the fish sauce mixture is concentrated to prevent excess water release during storage.
- This dish pairs well with various meats such as braised meat, boiled meat, or sausages.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. How long does it take for the pickled cabbage to be ready?
The pickling process is relatively quick! You can enjoy the pickled cabbage after just 30 minutes, but the flavors will deepen if you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight.
2. Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili to your preference. For a milder pickle, use less chili or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add more chili or a spicier variety.
This Spicy Pickled Cabbage with Garlic & Chili is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and quick preparation. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful side dish as a delicious addition to your meals or as a satisfying snack on its own. Happy pickling!