Momofuku Turnip Pickle Recipe
Adapted from David Chang
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Chef David Chang of Momofuku serves these crunchy pickles as a snack, but they would also be great on a sandwich piled high with roast beef.
Special equipment: If you have a mandoline and are comfortable using it, this is a perfect time to pull it out because it’ll help you get uniformly thin slices.
What to buy: Kombu is a broad, thick form of seaweed that is an essential ingredient in dashi, a Japanese broth. It can be found in Asian markets and online.
Game plan: The pickled turnips need to be made at least 1 day in advance, so plan accordingly. Any leftover turnips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound turnips, peeled and sliced paper thin
- 2 (4-inch-by-2-1/2-inch) pieces kombu
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the turnips and kombu in a 1-quart jar, leaving at least 1/2 inch of room at the top of the jar.
- Make the brine: Place the vinegar, sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan, whisk to dissolve the sugar and salt, and bring to a rapid simmer.
- Immediately pour the brine over the turnips, making sure to cover them completely but leaving 1/4 inch of room at the top of the jar. Let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Cover the jar with a tightfitting lid. Shake the jar or turn it upside down to evenly distribute the brine, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 day and preferably 1 week before using. (The pickled turnips can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.)
How could this possibly be spicy?