Hey Lykkers! Have you ever tried pickled cherry radishes? These little beauties are not only adorable, but they also offer a crisp, refreshing bite that's perfect for a light snack or as a side dish.
Their sweet and tangy flavor is just irresistible! Today, we're sharing a simple recipe to make these pickled radishes at home in just one day. Trust us – once you try them, you'll be hooked!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this delicious dish, you'll need:
• 300g of fresh cherry radishes (also known as "blush radishes")
• 4g of salt (about 1 teaspoon, for pickling)
• 25g of white sugar
• 6 peppercorns
• ½ star anise
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fragrant vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh cilantro (optional)
These ingredients will bring out the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors in your pickled radishes.
How to Make Pickled Cherry Radishes
Let's dive into the step-by-step process! Don't worry – it's super simple.
Step 1: Prepare the Radishes
First things first, rinse the radishes thoroughly and cut off the top and bottom. Once cleaned, pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Salting the Radishes
Next, slice the radishes into thin, crosswise pieces (just like you would for a salad). Place the sliced radishes in a clean, dry bowl and sprinkle them with salt. This helps draw out the water from the radishes. Let them sit for about two hours. During this time, the radishes will release their natural juices, and you'll notice the bowl filling with liquid.
Step 3: Rinse and Squeeze
After two hours, you'll see the radishes have released quite a bit of juice. Drain the liquid from the bowl and use your hands to gently squeeze the radishes to remove any excess water. Be sure not to squeeze too hard – a gentle press will do.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
In a separate clean bowl, combine the soy sauce, white sugar, peppercorns, and star anise. Stir it all together until the sugar dissolves completely. This is the base of our pickling liquid, and it's where the magic happens!
Step 5: Marinate in the Fridge
Now, place the radishes in a clean, dry jar or bowl and pour the pickling liquid over them. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24 hours. This is when the radishes will absorb all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Serving Time
After 24 hours, your pickled radishes will be ready to enjoy! To serve, add a teaspoon of fragrant vinegar and a drizzle of sesame oil to enhance the flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can eat them right away, or serve them as a side to your favorite meal. They make an excellent refreshing dish for hot summer days or as a quick snack!
Tips for Perfect Pickled Radishes
Before you rush off to make this, here are a couple of tips to make sure your radishes turn out just right:
1. Why Not Add Vinegar Right Away?: The key to making these radishes crunchy is not adding the vinegar during the pickling process. If you add it too early, it can soften the radishes, causing them to lose their crispness. So, remember to add the vinegar and sesame oil only when you're ready to serve them.
2. Squeeze Gently!: When removing the liquid from the radishes, don't press them too hard. A gentle squeeze will ensure that they stay crisp and retain their texture.
3. Adjust the Sugar and Salt to Taste: Depending on your preference for sweetness or saltiness, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and salt in the recipe. You can make it sweeter or saltier based on your taste!
Conclusion
And there you have it, Lykkers! This simple, one-day pickled cherry radish recipe will become your go-to snack or side dish in no time. Not only does it look beautiful with its vibrant color, but the taste is absolutely refreshing and delicious. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavors it brings. Share with us how it turned out – we'd love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy your cooking, and don't forget to try it out next time you need a fresh, tangy bite!
