Do Chua Recipe | Vietnamese Banh Mi Pickled Daikon & Carrots

Introduction

The video presents a recipe for making pickled daikon radish and carrots, commonly found in Vietnamese dishes like banh mi. This recipe is perfect for adding a tangy and crunchy element to various dishes or enjoying as a snack.

Ingredients

• Daikon radish
• Carrots
• Salt (for sprinkling)
• Sugar
• Boiling water
• Vinegar

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut off the ends of the carrots and daikon radish. Peel the skin using a peeler. Use an OXO julienne peeler or a similar tool to julienne the daikon and carrots into strips. (Be careful with the sharp blades, especially when the vegetables get smaller.)

2. Salt the Vegetables: In a bowl, combine the julienned daikon and carrots. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the vegetables, toss to coat evenly, and let them sit for 10 minutes. The salt helps remove any odor and water content from the vegetables, making them more suitable for pickling.

3. Rinse and Drain: After 10 minutes, rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Notice the vegetables will lose some color and rigidity. Drain the water using a colander or strainer and squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel.

4. Prepare the Pickling Solution: In a separate bowl, mix half a cup of sugar with half a cup of boiling water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add half a cup of vinegar to the mixture and stir well.

5. Pickle the Vegetables: Place the daikon and carrot strips into a large sterile jar (or two, depending on the quantity). Pour the pickling solution over the vegetables. Add another cup of room temperature water or more if needed to ensure the vegetables are completely submerged in the solution. Adjust the sugar and vinegar levels according to your taste preferences.

6. Let It Pickle: Seal the jars and let them pickle in the refrigerator for at least three to five days for optimal flavor development.

7. Serve: Use the pickled daikon and carrots to top off homemade Vietnamese dishes or any other dishes that could use a pop of color, tanginess, and crunch.

Conclusion

This pickled daikon radish and carrot recipe is a simple and delicious way to add a flavorful component to your meals. The pickling process enhances the vegetables' natural flavors, resulting in a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes or enjoyed as a healthy snack.