Pink pickled ginger
Homemade pink pickled ginger (gari) is a simple sushi condiment. Thin ginger slices are pickled in sweet vinegar with beetroot for natural color.
Servings: 4 people - enough for multiple sushi meals or rice bowls
Calories: 147kcal
Ingredients
- 175 g fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt (for salting ginger)
- 2 cups water (for blanching)
- 150 ml rice vinegar
- 100 g sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (for pickling liquid)
- 1 small beetroot (sliced into 1 cm discs)
Instructions
- Peel the ginger with the edge of a spoon to remove the ginger's outer skin.
- Slice thinly with a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the ginger slices in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Mix with your hands to coat evenly. Leave for 10 minutes.
- Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the ginger slices and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the ginger cooks, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a separate saucepan. Warm over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
- Wash, peel, and slice the beetroot into 1 cm discs. Add to the vinegar mixture and stir for about 2 minutes to release a pink color. Remove from heat.
- Drain the ginger and allow it to cool completely. Squeeze out excess water with clean hands.
- Transfer the ginger to a clean, sterilised glass jar. Pour over the pink pickling liquid until the slices are fully submerged.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours before serving. Best flavor develops overnight.
Notes
- Traditionally served with sushi; see our plant based sushi post for pairing ideas.
- Also great as a topping for rice bowls and many other Japanese dishes. For inspiration, check out our top 10 vegan Japanese recipes.
- Try it alongside other homemade pickles like easy pickled carrots, pickled chilis, or pickled radish.
- Keeps for 2–3 weeks in a sterilised jar in the fridge.
- Use organic or certified vegan sugar to ensure a vegan version
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serve | Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 906mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg
