Quick & Crisp Japanese Pickled Radishes (Amazuzuke)

Discover the delightful world of Japanese pickling with this simple and refreshing Amazuzuke recipe. Amazuzuke, which translates to ‘sweet vinegar pickle,’ is a fantastic way to transform everyday vegetables into a bright, tangy, and crisp condiment. These pickled radishes add a vibrant pop of color and a burst of flavor to rice bowls, grilled meats, or salads. Best of all, they come together in minutes and are ready to enjoy in under an hour!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch (about 8 oz or 225g) red radishes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Radishes: Wash the radishes thoroughly and trim off the tops and root ends. Slice them as thinly as you can. A mandoline slicer works wonderfully for achieving uniform, paper-thin slices, but a sharp knife will also do the trick. Place the sliced radishes in a clean glass jar.
2. Make the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. You do not need to bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Combine and Pickle: Carefully pour the warm sweet vinegar brine over the sliced radishes in the jar. Gently tap the jar on the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure all the radish slices are submerged in the liquid.



4. Cool and Chill: Let the jar cool to room temperature on the counter, which should take about 30 minutes. Once cooled, screw the lid on tightly and transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
5. Serve: The pickled radishes will be delicious after just 30-60 minutes in the fridge, but their flavor deepens and improves after several hours or overnight. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Feel free to experiment with this versatile recipe! The same sweet vinegar brine is perfect for pickling thinly sliced carrots, daikon radish, or cucumber. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a thin slice of ginger or a small dried red chili to the jar.

Nutrition Information