Crispy Pickled Radish with Fish Sauce: A Year-Long Recipe

Forget bland pickles! This recipe for crispy pickled radish with fish sauce delivers a vibrant, umami-packed explosion of flavor that will transform your perception of pickled vegetables. The perfectly balanced brine, featuring the salty depth of fish sauce, the sweetness of sugar, and a hint of fiery chili, creates an addictive crunch that's irresistible. These quick pickles are perfect as a standalone snack, a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, or a zingy addition to your favorite noodle dishes. The bright pink color alone is enough to make them a stunning addition to any table.

This recipe is incredibly versatile – easily adjusted to your preferred level of spice and sweetness. Ready to experience the magic of these addictive pickled radishes? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of these flavorful delights.

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Basket
  • Tray

Ingredients

  • White Radish: 1 kg
  • Garlic
  • Chili
  • Salt: 3 tablespoons (50g)
  • Sugar: 1 cup (220g)
  • Filtered Water: 1/2 cup (150ml)
  • Fish Sauce: 1/2 cup (150ml)
  • Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Vinegar: 4 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Radishes

  • Wash and drain the radish. Cut off any black parts, but leave the skin on for extra crispiness.
  • Cut the radish into bite-sized pieces (or strips, as preferred).
  • Marinate the radish with salt for 2 hours, shaking occasionally to ensure even absorption.
  • After 2 hours, rinse the salted radish thoroughly with water to remove excess salt.
Wash and drain the radish. Cut off any black parts, but leave the skin on for extra crispiness.Cut the radish into bite-sized pieces (or strips, as preferred).Marinate the radish with salt for 2 hours, shaking occasionally to ensure even absorption.After 2 hours, rinse the salted radish thoroughly with water to remove excess salt.
Prepare the Radishes
  • Squeeze the radish dry and spread it out evenly on a tray to dry in the sun.
Squeeze the radish dry and spread it out evenly on a tray to dry in the sun.
Prepare the Radishes

Step 2. Prepare the Brine

  • Slice the garlic and chili.
  • Combine sugar, filtered water, fish sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar in a pot. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
  • Let the soaking liquid cool completely.
Slice the garlic and chili.Prepare the soaking liquid: Combine sugar, filtered water, fish sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar in a pot. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.Let the soaking liquid cool completely.
Prepare the Brine

Step 3. Combine and Pickle

  • Once cooled, add the dried radish, garlic, and chili to the soaking liquid. Let it soak.
Once cooled, add the dried radish, garlic, and chili to the soaking liquid. Let it soak.
Combine and Pickle

Read more: Crunchy Pickled Firecracker Eggplant: A Vietnamese Recipe

Tips

  • Heavier radishes make a more delicious pickle.
  • Leaving the radish skin on helps maintain crispiness.
  • Shake the radish while marinating with salt to speed up absorption. If the radish bends without breaking after 2 hours of salting, it's ready.
  • Dry the radish until it's slightly dry but still soft.
  • Adding soy sauce enhances the flavor of the pickle.
  • The longer the radish soaks, the more flavorful it becomes. It can be stored for months (or even a year in the refrigerator).

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. How long will these pickled radishes last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these pickled radishes will last for up to a year. The flavor will deepen over time.

2. Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or chili garlic sauce to your preferred level of heat. You can even omit it entirely for a milder pickle.


So there you have it – a recipe for crispy pickled radishes that will brighten your meals for months to come. The satisfying crunch and bold flavor make these a true culinary gem, perfect for adding a zing to any dish or enjoying on their own. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade, year-long supply of pickled radish perfection!