Pickled Ginger Japanese Style!!

Pickled Ginger Japanese Style!! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 22 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 1 hr 37 min

Cost: $3.85 total, $0.96 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Fresh Young Ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 2 tsp Coarse Sea Salt (helps draw out moisture)
  • 1.5 cup Rice Wine Vinegar (Japanese rice vinegar for authentic flavor)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Ginger

    Peel the fresh young ginger and slice it as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for uniform pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Salt the Ginger

    Place the sliced ginger into a clean glass jar, sprinkle the coarse sea salt over it, and stir to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 1 hour so the juices are released.

    Time: PT1H

  3. Prepare the Pickling Brine

    In a mixing bowl combine 1.5 cups of rice wine vinegar with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Drain the Salted Ginger

    After the hour has passed, pour the ginger and its released liquid into a colander or strainer and let it drain for a few minutes. Spread the drained slices on a layer of paper towels to remove excess moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Ginger with Brine

    Return the drained ginger to the jar, pour the prepared rice‑wine‑vinegar brine over it, and leave a small amount of brine in the jar so the slices stay moist and flavorful. Seal the jar.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cool and Store

    Let the jar sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then refrigerate. The pickled ginger is ready to use after a short chill, but flavor improves after a few hours.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
30
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Pickled Ginger Japanese Style!!

Recipe by Jose.elcook

A quick and easy homemade Japanese pickled ginger, perfect as a sushi condiment or a refreshing palate cleanser. Made with just four ingredients and minimal effort.

EasyJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 27m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.85
Total cost
$0.96
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slice the ginger as thinly as possible.
  • Allow the salted ginger to sit for a full hour to release juices.
  • Keep a small amount of brine in the jar to maintain sweetness and texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Use the guard on a mandolin slicer to avoid serious cuts.
  • Handle vinegar with care; avoid splashing into eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese style Pickled ginger (Gari) in Japanese cuisine?

A

Pickled ginger, known as gari, has been a traditional accompaniment to sushi for centuries. It was originally used to cleanse the palate between different types of sushi, allowing diners to appreciate each piece’s distinct flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Japanese style Pickled ginger in Japan?

A

In Kansai, gari is often sweeter and milder, while in the Kanto region it may be slightly more acidic. Some regions add a hint of yuzu or use different vinegars to create subtle flavor twists.

cultural
Q

How is Japanese style Pickled ginger traditionally served with sushi in Japan?

A

Gari is placed on the side of the sushi plate in a small dish. Diners take a few thin slices between bites to refresh the palate, especially when moving from a rich nigiri to a lighter maki roll.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Japanese style Pickled ginger traditionally associated in Japanese culture?

A

While gari is a daily sushi condiment, it also appears at special gatherings such as New Year’s osechi meals and tea ceremonies, where its bright flavor balances richer dishes.

cultural
Q

How does Japanese style Pickled ginger fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?

A

Gari exemplifies the Japanese emphasis on balance and palate cleansing. It showcases the technique of quick pickling (asazuke) that preserves the crisp texture and natural sweetness of vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese style Pickled ginger versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic gari uses young ginger, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes include regular ginger, apple cider vinegar, or honey in place of sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Japanese style Pickled ginger?

A

Gari pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, chirashi bowls, and even cold noodle dishes like soba. It also works as a garnish for grilled fish or tofu dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Japanese style Pickled ginger at home?

A

Common errors include slicing the ginger too thick, not allowing the salted ginger to rest for the full hour, and using the wrong type of vinegar, which can make the pickles overly sharp.

technical
Q

Why does this Japanese style Pickled ginger recipe use rice wine vinegar instead of other vinegars?

A

Rice wine vinegar provides a gentle acidity and subtle sweetness that complements ginger without overpowering it, staying true to the delicate flavor of traditional gari.

technical
Q

Can I make Japanese style Pickled ginger ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the pickled ginger can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, ensuring the slices stay submerged in brine to maintain freshness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jose.elcook focuses on simple, home‑cooked recipes from various cuisines, emphasizing quick techniques and minimal ingredient lists for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Jose.elcook?

A

Jose.elcook’s cooking philosophy centers on accessibility and flavor; the channel showcases step‑by‑step tutorials that break down classic dishes into easy‑to‑follow, budget‑friendly versions.

channel

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