VIETNAMESE PICKLED VEGETABLES (ĐỒ CHUA)
Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables(Đồ Chua) are a refreshing condiment found in nearly every Vietnamese home. This simple, vibrant mixture of julienned carrots and daikon is lightly pickled in a blend of vinegar, carrots, daikon, sugar and salt, yielding a balance of sweet, sour and salty flavours. These crunchy and bright pickles are essential in dishes like banh mi, noodle bowls and rice plates, as they cut through rich meats and add textural contrast to meals. Despite their bold flavour, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and require only a handful of ingredients. This single-serving version is ideal for small portions or individual meals. Ready in minutes and even better after a short chill in the fridge, Đồ Chua elevates any dish it accompanies, proving that even the simplest additions can bring a burst of authenticity and brightness to Vietnamese cuisine.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Side
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Vietnamese
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan
DISH TYPE
Condiment / Spread
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons julienned carrots
- 2 tablespoons julienned daikon
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- Pinch of salt
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 13 Kcal
- Total Fat: 0 G
- Saturated Fat: 0 G
- Cholesterol: 0 Mg
- Sodium: 18 Mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3.1 G
- Dietary Fibre: 0.8 G
- Sugars: 1.7 G
- Protein: 0.2 G
- Vitamin A: 314 Mcg
- Vitamin C: 4.9 Mg
- Calcium: 11 Mg
- Iron: 0.1 Mg
- Potassium: 93 Mg
PREPARATION
- Prep The Vegetables: Wash and peel the carrot and daikon. Julienne them into thin matchstick-size pieces.
- Mix The Pickling Solution: In a small bowl, combine vinegar, sugar and salt. Stir it until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
- Combine And Toss: Add the julienned vegetables to the pickling mixture and toss to ensure an even coating.
- Rest To Marinate: Let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving for a quick pickle.
- Serve Or Store: Use immediately or transfer to a jar or container for later use.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables:
- Julienne Evenly: Uniformly sliced vegetables pickle more evenly and look more attractive.
- Use A Mandoline: For quick and precise slicing, a mandoline works perfectly.
- Balance Flavour: Adjust sugar or vinegar to suit your desired sweetness or tanginess.
- Quick Massage: Lightly massaging the vegetables before pickling helps them absorb flavour faster.
- Use Clean Utensils: Always handle with clean utensils to prevent contamination and extend freshness.
VARIATIONS
- Add Chili: Include thinly sliced fresh chilli for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Infusion: Add a thin slice of garlic for a mild garlicky undertone.
- Lime Juice Option: Use lime juice instead of vinegar for a citrus-forward twist.
- Mixed Veggie Combo: Add cucumber, green papaya or red radish for colour and variety.
- Sweeter Version: Increase sugar slightly for use in sweeter dishes or sandwiches.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Flavour intensifies over time.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing alters the texture of pickled vegetables and it is not recommended.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a small batch ahead and keep it chilled for quick access during the week.
- Use Glass Jars: Store in glass jars to avoid absorption of odours and maintain freshness.