Crisp Pickled Radish Sandwiches (Kaiwei Shuangkou de Xiaoxiancai)
pan chinese cuisine
A staple winter side pickle in Chinese home kitchens: simple to make, appetizing, and refreshingly crisp. The salt-drawing step is important — salt generously to draw out moisture, and no additional salt is needed in the final marinade.
Hector NunezThird-generation taquero turned home cook. Nixtamal from scratch changed my life. Happy to talk tortilla technique with anyone who'll listen.Questions & feedback
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Nutrition & allergens
Contains:SoyWheat
Some ingredients are not yet allergen-surveyed; this label is not exhaustive.
Per serving (4 servings)
- Energy (kcal)
- Unknown
- Protein (g)
- Unknown
- Fat (g)
- Unknown
- Carbs (g)
- Unknown
- Sodium (mg)
- Unknown
Estimated from verified ingredient data for the original formula — not lab values, and one dish is not a full meal.
1.0 whole
3.0 piece
3 oz
0.19 cup
1.06 oz
salt盐
1.76 oz
as needed
3.0 slice
5.0 clove
Techniques you'll use
- Marinating ↗
Season protein ahead with soy, wine, and starch for flavor and texture.
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Start making these crisp radish sandwiches when the homemade pickles at home have run out.
✅ Done when: Ready to proceed once all ingredients are assembled.
- 2
Step 2
Cut the daikon into hinge-cut slices (thin slices joined at the base so each pair opens like a sandwich).
✅ Done when: Each slice should be cut into connected pairs that open like a book.
- 3
Step 3
Add salt to the radish.
✅ Done when: Salt should be distributed over the radish slices.
Toss to mix evenly and marinate for 30 minutes.
✅ Done when: After 30 minutes, the radish should have released liquid and become flexible.
- 5
Step 5
Drain off the liquid, then add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar.
✅ Done when: The drawn-out water should be fully drained before adding the vinegar.
- 6
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
✅ Done when: Soy sauce should be poured over the radish slices.
- 7
Step 7
Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar.
✅ Done when: Sugar should be sprinkled evenly over the mixture.
- 8
Step 8
Add a suitable amount of cooled boiled water.
✅ Done when: The liquid should come up around the radish slices.
- 9
Step 9
Add the bird's-eye chilies, ginger slices, and garlic slices.
✅ Done when: All aromatics should be added to the pickling liquid.
Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
✅ Done when: After at least 3 hours refrigerated, the radish should be flavorful and crisp.
- 11
Step 11
Done — the pickled radish sandwiches are ready to serve.
✅ Done when: The radish is crisp, tangy, and ready to eat.