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10 Easy Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono) Recipes for Beginners | Vegan | Authentic Japanese Food

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11 recipes
vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from ancient Japan, Tsukemono are traditional pickles that serve as a palate cleanser and a way to preserve seasonal vegetables. These colorful accompaniments are often served with rice and are integral to Japanese meals, symbolizing the harmony of flavors. Today, variations abound, incorporating local ingredients and adapting to modern tastes, making them a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine and beyond.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • carrots
  • daikon radish
  • eggplant
  • salt
  • rice vinegar
  • sugar
  • soy sauce
  • kombu
  • chili flakes
  • ginger
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare vegetables by washing and cutting into desired shapes.
  2. 2Sprinkle salt over vegetables and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. 3Rinse vegetables under cold water to remove excess salt and pat dry.
  4. 4Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl until dissolved.
  5. 5Add the vegetables to the vinegar mixture and stir to coat evenly.
  6. 6Place the mixture in a jar or container and press down to remove air.
  7. 7Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. 8Serve chilled as a side dish with rice or grilled meats.

Ingredient Alternatives

daikon radish

Healthier: turnips

Cheaper: carrots

Turnips provide a similar crunch and flavor profile.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note while being cost-effective.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey offers natural sweetness with unique flavor.

kombu

Healthier: nori

Cheaper: seaweed flakes

Nori is more accessible and still imparts umami.

Techniques

pickling

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowljar or container
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Japanese picklesTsukemonoJapanese side dish
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly, either into rounds or half-moons.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  3. 3Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the pickling mixture.
  4. 4Transfer the cucumbers and the pickling liquid to a clean jar or container with a lid.
  5. 5Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the cucumbers and give it a gentle shake to distribute them.
  6. 6Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to pickle.
  7. 7For best flavor, refrigerate the pickled cucumbers for at least 1 hour before serving.
  8. 8Serve as a side dish or topping for salads, rice bowls, or sandwiches.

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowljar or container with lid

Ingredients

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 1/2 cup white miso paste
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the white miso paste, rice vinegar, water, sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. 2Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
  3. 3Place the carrot sticks in a clean glass jar or container.
  4. 4Pour the miso mixture over the carrots, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  5. 5Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
  6. 6After 24 hours, the miso-pickled carrots are ready to be enjoyed.
  7. 7Serve as a side dish, in salads, or as a crunchy snack.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskglass jar or container
vegetariangluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Pickling is a common preservation method in many cuisines, and shiso adds a unique flavor to the eggplant.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup shiso leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the eggplants into thin rounds or strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  3. 3Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature.
  4. 4In a large bowl, combine the sliced eggplants, chopped shiso leaves, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. 5Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the eggplant mixture, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
  6. 6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a jar with a lid.
  7. 7Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
  8. 8After pickling, serve the eggplant as a side dish or topping for rice or salads.

Equipment

medium saucepanlarge bowlplastic wrap or jar
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and salt. Toss to coat the cabbage evenly and let it sit for about 10 minutes to wilt.
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. 3Pack the wilted cabbage into a clean jar or container, pressing down to remove air pockets.
  4. 4Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage, ensuring it is fully submerged. If necessary, add more water or vinegar to cover the cabbage completely.
  5. 5Seal the jar or container tightly and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to quick-pickle.
  6. 6After 1 hour, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The pickled cabbage will be ready to eat after a few hours but tastes best after 24 hours.
  7. 7Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Equipment

large bowlsaucepanjar or container for storage
veganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
  2. 2In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. 3Pour the pickling liquid over the avocado pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. 4Let the avocados sit in the pickling liquid for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. 5Gently toss the avocados to ensure even pickling.
  6. 6Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired.
  7. 7Transfer the pickled avocado to a serving dish.
  8. 8Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
  9. 9Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for a chilled option.

Equipment

Mixing bowlWhiskServing dish
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried wakame seaweed
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Soak the dried wakame seaweed in water for about 10-15 minutes until it expands and softens. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  3. 3Add the thinly sliced cucumbers to the vinegar mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. 4Add the soaked wakame to the bowl and mix gently with the cucumbers.
  5. 5Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture and toss again to combine.
  6. 6Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
  8. 8Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or salad.

Equipment

mixing bowlmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
  2. 2Add the garlic, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns to the boiling mixture.
  3. 3Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pickling liquid cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. 4Place the trimmed okra in a clean jar or container.
  5. 5Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the okra, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  6. 6Seal the jar or container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before consuming for the best flavor.
  7. 7The pickled okra can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Equipment

medium saucepanjar or container for pickling
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 2 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/4 cup white miso paste
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Wash the bell peppers and cut them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the white miso paste, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  3. 3Place the bell pepper strips into a clean jar or container.
  4. 4Pour the miso mixture over the bell peppers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  5. 5Seal the jar or container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
  6. 6After 24 hours, the miso-pickled bell peppers are ready to be enjoyed! They can be used as a side dish, in salads, or as a topping for various dishes.

Equipment

mixing bowljar or container for pickling
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium bowl, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  2. 2Add minced garlic and sesame oil to the vinegar mixture. Mix well.
  3. 3If using, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and stir to combine.
  4. 4Place the fresh bean sprouts in a clean glass jar or container.
  5. 5Pour the vinegar mixture over the bean sprouts, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  6. 6Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. 7For best flavor, let the bean sprouts pickle for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Equipment

medium bowlwhiskglass jar or container
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Quick-pickling is a popular method in various cuisines to preserve vegetables and fruits, enhancing their flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium daikon radishes, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 1 cup plums, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  2. 2Add the sliced daikon radishes and plums to the bowl, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
  3. 3If using, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top for added spice.
  4. 4Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a jar with a lid.
  5. 5Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to pickle.
  6. 6For best results, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskjar or container for storage

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