Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large cucumber, sliced thinly
- 1 large carrot, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Glass jar with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumber and carrot. Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables and toss to coat.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped cilantro to the bowl and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and press down to pack the vegetables tightly.
5. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Refrigeration time: 2 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 590mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or mint.
Variations:
- Add sliced red onion or bell pepper for extra flavor and color.
- Use daikon radish instead of carrot for a different texture.
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce for a savory twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get thin and even slices of cucumber and carrot.
- Make sure to pack the vegetables tightly in the jar to ensure they are fully submerged in the vinegar mixture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and red pepper flakes to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
Store the pickles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
These pickles are meant to be served cold, so there is no need to reheat them.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pickles in a small bowl or as a side dish to a main course.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional cilantro or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Pairings:
These pickles pair well with grilled meats, rice dishes, and stir-fries.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve these pickles alongside steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pickles are too sour, reduce the amount of vinegar and increase the amount of sugar.
- If the pickles are too spicy, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use a clean and sterilized jar to prevent contamination. Keep the pickles refrigerated at all times.
Food history:
Pickling is a traditional method of preserving food that dates back to ancient times. Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of five spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine, including star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Flavor profiles:
These pickles have a sweet and sour flavor with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. The Chinese five-spice powder adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the pickles.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these pickles as a refreshing and flavorful side dish to any Asian-inspired meal.
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Region: Chinese