Delicate pink gari for sushi and more
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
24 hr 20 min
Servings
16
1 cup
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Delicate pink gari for sushi and more
Thinly sliced, delicately pink pickled ginger (gari) with a sweet-tangy flavor. This sushi staple cleanses the palate between bites and is surprisingly easy to make at home.
15m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
1460m
Total Time
16
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Homemade pickled ginger has a fresh, clean flavor that commercial versions laced with artificial dye and preservatives cannot match. Young ginger turns naturally pink from the vinegar reacting with its pigments.
Peel ginger and slice paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Blanch ginger slices in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and pat dry.
Dissolve sugar and salt in rice vinegar and hot water. Stir until clear.
Place ginger in a clean jar and pour the brine over it.
Cool, seal, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. Best after 3-5 days.
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Slightly different flavor but works as a substitute
More fibrous—peel thoroughly and slice extra thin
Test Kitchen Pick
Rice Vinegar
Helpful Pantry Staple
This recipe wants a softer acidity than standard distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar keeps the flavor cleaner and more balanced.
It sharpens the dish without making it harsh.
Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.
Shop rice vinegar for this recipeUse a mandoline for the most consistent, paper-thin slices.
Young ginger (available at Asian markets in summer) turns naturally pink without any dye.
Refrigerate in brine for up to 3 months.
Serve cold alongside sushi, poke bowls, and Asian dishes.
Per serving (0mg) · 16 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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