FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES
Essentially a quick pickle, matchsticks of carrots and daikon add sweetness and crunch to grilled beef skewers or grilled beef in a Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwich. Try the relish on a barbecued brisket sandwich instead of dill pickles, or toss it together with steak slices and a few torn greens for a great lunch salad. Adjust the quantities of carrots and mild Asian daikon radish up or down as you wish. Julienne the vegetables in a food processor to speed up the prep.
Vietnamese Style Carrot Daikon Relish, also known as “Do Chua,” is a vibrant and tangy condiment commonly found in Vietnamese cuisine. This relish adds a burst of refreshing flavor and crunch to dishes, making it a popular accompaniment to various Vietnamese dishes like banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
The recipe typically involves matchstick-cut carrots and daikon radish that are soaked in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This marinade gives the vegetables a slightly pickled taste, softening them just enough while retaining their crispness. The addition of a touch of sriracha or Asian chile sauce, although optional, can provide a gentle spicy kick to the relish.
Vietnamese Style Carrot Daikon Relish brings a delightful contrast of textures and tastes to dishes. The sweetness from the sugar, the tanginess from the vinegar, and the mild heat from the chile sauce come together to create a well-balanced flavor profile. Its vibrant appearance and invigorating taste make it a visually appealing and palate-pleasing addition to meals.
Beyond its traditional use, this relish can also be a creative addition to other cuisines and dishes. Its versatility allows for experimentation, and you can customize the relish by adding other vegetables or herbs to suit your preferences. Whether enjoyed as part of a traditional Vietnamese meal or used to enhance other dishes, this relish offers a delightful twist of flavors that can elevate your culinary creations.
MAKES: ABOUT 3 CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 ounces carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 8 ounces daikon radish, cut into matchsticks
- ¾ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- Squirt of sriracha or other Asian chile sauce, optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the carrots and daikon matchsticks.
- In a small bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and, if desired, the sriracha or Asian chile sauce.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the carrots and daikon in the bowl.
- Refrigerate the relish for at least 1 hour, allowing the carrot and daikon matchsticks to soften.
- Use a slotted spoon to serve the relish on top of beef or any other desired dish.
- Covered and refrigerated, the relish will keep for about 5 days.
VARIATION:
- Feel free to customize the relish by adding or subtracting vegetables. You can include ingredients like grated cucumber, minced red onion, or cilantro leaves to create different flavor profiles.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Banh Mi Sandwich: Use the relish as a topping for banh mi sandwiches. It pairs well with grilled meats, pâté, and fresh herbs, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory components.
- Spring Rolls: Add the relish to fresh spring rolls for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. It complements the fillings and dipping sauces perfectly.
- Rice Bowls: Use the relish as a topping for rice bowls or grain bowls. It can enhance the flavors of various proteins and vegetables while adding a zesty element.
- Noodle Dishes: Sprinkle the relish over noodle dishes like vermicelli bowls or pho. It can brighten up the dish and provide a contrast to the savory broth.
- Tacos or Tostadas: Incorporate the relish into tacos or tostadas for a unique twist. It can add a pop of color and flavor to different types of proteins.
- Grilled Meats: Serve the relish alongside grilled meats like beef, chicken, or pork. The tangy and refreshing relish can balance the richness of the meats.
- Salads: Mix the relish into salads for added crunch and flavor. It can work well in both leafy salads and grain-based salads.
- Sushi Rolls: Add the relish as a filling to sushi rolls for an unexpected burst of flavor. It pairs nicely with seafood and rice.
- Stir-Fries: Incorporate the relish into stir-fried dishes at the end of cooking to maintain its texture and freshness.
- Side Dish: Serve the relish as a side dish on its own, particularly with grilled or roasted meats.
