Đồ Chua (Vietnamese Pickled Carrot and Daikon)
Local name: Đồ chua
In short: Crisp matchsticks of carrot and daikon in a sweet and tangy brine, the quick pickle that tops bánh mì, rice plates and noodle bowls. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 45 kcal
Đồ chua is the sweet and sour pickle that sits on top of bánh mì, beside cơm tấm and in bowls of grilled pork and noodles. Carrot and daikon are salted briefly, then covered in a brine of vinegar, sugar and water. They are ready to eat in an hour and stay crisp for about two weeks in the fridge. The pickle cuts through rich meat and fried food, which is why Vietnamese cooks keep a jar on hand.
Instructions
- Toss the carrot and daikon with the 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Leave for 15 minutes, then squeeze gently to remove the liquid. Rinse briefly and drain well.
- Stir the vinegar, warm water, 100 g of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt together in a jug until the sugar dissolves.
- Pack the vegetables into a clean 1.5-liter (6-cup) jar and pour in the brine until they are completely covered. Press them down.
- Leave at room temperature for 1 hour, then close the jar and refrigerate. The pickle tastes best after 24 hours and keeps for 2 weeks.
Tips
- Cut the vegetables into even matchsticks so they pickle at the same rate and fit neatly into sandwiches. Squeezing out the water first keeps them crunchy.
- For a tangier pickle, use 80 g of sugar instead of 100 g. A few slices of chili or garlic cloves in the jar add flavor, and rice vinegar gives a milder taste.
Questions and answers
How long does đồ chua keep?
Up to 2 weeks in a closed jar in the fridge. The pickles slowly soften and turn more sour over time.
Why does my daikon smell strong?
Daikon naturally gives off a sulfur smell when it is salted and pickled. Rinse it after salting and open the jar for a few minutes, and the smell fades.
What can I use đồ chua for?
Bánh mì, rice plates, noodle bowls and fresh rolls. It also works well on burgers, grain bowls and grilled meat.
How long does it take to make Đồ Chua (Vietnamese Pickled Carrot and Daikon)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Đồ Chua (Vietnamese Pickled Carrot and Daikon)?
About 45 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 45 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
