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Homemade Pickled Ginger (Gari) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Homemade Pickled Ginger (Gari)

Tired of overly sweet, artificially colored pickled ginger? Learn how to make your own vibrant, zesty Gari at home. This crisp, refreshing version has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it the ultimate palate cleanser for sushi, salads, and bowls.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 2-inch / 5 cm piece fresh ginger root
  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml / 2 fl oz) salt
  • 1 cup (250 ml) Sushi Rice Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1 thin slice fresh beetroot, optional for pink color
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Pickled Ginger
  • For the thinnest, most delicate slices, a Japanese mandoline is your best friend. If you don't have one, a sharp vegetable peeler works wonders!
  • For a natural pink hue without beetroot, seek out young ginger. It's more tender and has naturally pink tips that will color the pickle beautifully.
  • Always use a glass or ceramic container for pickling. Metal containers can react with the vinegar and affect the flavor.
  • No mirin? A sweet sherry can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

Method
 

  1. Peel the ginger root.
  2. Using a mandoline or a sharp vegetable peeler, slice the ginger as thinly as possible.
  3. Place the ginger slices in a colander, cover them generously with the salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture.
  4. Rinse the ginger slices thoroughly under cold water to remove all the salt, then gently pat them dry.
  5. In a clean glass or ceramic jar, whisk together the Sushi Rice Dressing and mirin.
  6. Add the rinsed ginger slices to the jar. If you're making pink ginger, add the slice of beetroot now.
  7. Seal the jar and shake well to ensure all the ginger is coated in the pickling liquid.
  8. Let the ginger marinate for at least 10 minutes before using. For the best flavor, let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
  9. Discard the beetroot slice before serving.
  10. Store any leftovers in the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1g

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