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Delicate pink pickled ginger slices on a small plate

Delicate pink gari for sushi and more

Pickled Ginger

Pickled Ginger

24h 20mEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

24 hr 20 min

Servings

16

1 cup

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Pickled Ginger

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

Japanese CuisineSide DishVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 21, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

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.

Why This Recipe Works

Slicing ginger paper-thin allows the sweet vinegar brine to penetrate quickly. Young ginger is preferred because it is less fibrous and develops the prettiest natural pink color.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fresh ginger (young ginger preferred)
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp hot water
  • Optional: drop of beet juice for pinker color

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel ginger and slice paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.

  2. 2

    Blanch ginger slices in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and pat dry.

  3. 3

    Dissolve sugar and salt in rice vinegar and hot water. Stir until clear.

  4. 4

    Place ginger in a clean jar and pour the brine over it.

  5. 5

    Cool, seal, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. Best after 3-5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • 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

Substitutions

Rice vinegarApple cider vinegar

Slightly different flavor but works as a substitute

Young gingerRegular ginger

More fibrous—peel thoroughly and slice extra thin

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Rice Vinegar

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the rice vinegar matters

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.

  • Brighter finish without aggressive acidity
  • Useful across dressings, sauces, and quick pickles

Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.

Shop rice vinegar for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use a mandoline for the most consistent, paper-thin slices.

  • Young ginger (available at Asian markets in summer) turns naturally pink without any dye.

Storage

Refrigerate in brine for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Serve cold alongside sushi, poke bowls, and Asian dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 16 servings

Calories10
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat2g
Fiber75mg
Sugar0g
Sodium2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my ginger not pink?
Mature ginger does not turn pink naturally. A tiny drop of beet juice can add color.
Can I use regular ginger?
Yes, but it will be more fibrous and less pink. Slice as thin as possible.

Explore More

More Japanese RecipesMore Side DishVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

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.

View all recipes →

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