Pink ginger, also known as young ginger or spring ginger, is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Its delicate pink hue and subtle flavor make it a sought-after addition to dishes, and its health benefits have made it a staple in traditional medicine. In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Japanese pink ginger that you can make at home. Let's dive in!
Main Ingredients: Lemon, Lemon Juice, Pickled Ginger, Sugar, Salt, White
Take your beer can chicken game to the next level with this unique and flavorful twist. These pickled Asian pears with a hint of lemon add a tangy and refreshing flavor to your chicken. Simply mix together pickled ginger, lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey, and brush it onto your chicken before roasting it on the grill. The result? A succulent and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
Who says you can only enjoy sushi in roll form? This sushi burrito is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite sushi flavors with a twist. Start by marinating your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds. Once grilled, shred the chicken and wrap it up in a sheet of nori with sushi rice, avocado, and pickled ginger. This hand-held meal is perfect for a picnic or a quick and easy lunch on the go.
This savory pancake dish is a popular street food in Japan, and it's easy to see why. The combination of shredded cabbage, pickled ginger, and bonito flakes make for a delicious and unique flavor profile. Top it off with a drizzle of tangy okonomiyaki sauce and some mayo, and you have a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.
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California Roll Sushi Bowls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Light
Love sushi but don't want to deal with the hassle of rolling it? These California roll sushi bowls are the perfect solution. Simply mix together cooked sushi rice, crab meat, avocado, and pickled ginger, and top it off with a sprinkle of furikake and a drizzle of soy sauce. It's all the delicious flavors of a California roll in one convenient and easy-to-eat bowl.
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Barbecue Pickled Ginger Burgers
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Minced Garlic, Liquid Smoke, Salt
Looking for a way to jazz up your burgers? Look no further than these barbecue pickled ginger burgers. The combination of tangy pickled ginger and sweet and smoky barbecue sauce create a mouthwatering flavor explosion. Top it off with some crispy bacon and melted pepper jack cheese for the ultimate burger experience.
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Pickled Ginger Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Limes Juiced, Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
This refreshing and flavorful noodle salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken. Simply toss cooked soba noodles with pickled ginger, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a homemade dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The result? A light and tasty dish that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the chicken.
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Beet Bellini with Pickled Ginger
Main Ingredients: Ginger Juice, Beet Juice, Ginger Liqueur, Pickled
This elegant and unique cocktail is the perfect way to start off your beer can chicken dinner. The bright and vibrant color of the beet juice pairs beautifully with the tangy and spicy flavors of the pickled ginger. Top it off with some bubbly champagne and a sprig of mint for a refreshing and festive drink.
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Salmon Burgers w/ Pickled Ginger & Coriander
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Pickled Ginger, Red Onion, Fresh Coriander, Low
Switch up your burger game with these flavorful and healthy salmon burgers. Mix together ground salmon, pickled ginger, coriander, and bread crumbs, and grill them to perfection. Top them off with a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce infused with more pickled ginger, and you have a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
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Burmese Pickled Ginger and Fried Garlic Salad
Main Ingredients: Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Garlic Cloves, Canola
This salad is bursting with bold and unique flavors. The pickled ginger adds a tangy and spicy kick, while the fried garlic adds a deliciously crispy texture. Toss it all together with some greens, cashews, and a homemade dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar for a salad that is anything but boring.
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Cucumber Hummus Bites with Pickled Ginger
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Sabra Original Hummus, Soy Sauce
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any party or gathering. Simply spread your favorite hummus on a cucumber slice and top it off with a small piece of pickled ginger. The combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy make for a delicious and addictive appetizer.
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Miso-Roasted Asparagus and Pickled Carrot Sushi Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Fine Sea Salt, Sushi
These sushi bowls are a tasty and colorful way to get your daily dose of veggies. Roast asparagus and pickled carrots with a miso glaze and serve it over sushi rice with some pickled ginger and toasted sesame seeds. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that will satisfy your cravings for sushi without the extra effort.
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Chinese Fried Chicken with Pickled Pepper
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Seasoning, Peppers, Pickled Ginger, Salt
Take your fried chicken to the next level with this Chinese-inspired recipe. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste, and then fry it up to crispy perfection. Top it off with some tangy pickled peppers for a spicy and addictive twist on a classic dish.
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How to BBQ Salmon, Pickled Ginger and Sesame
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Salmon, Pickled Ginger, Sesame Oil, Salt
Take your grilling skills to the next level with this recipe for BBQ salmon with pickled ginger and sesame. The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the barbecue sauce and tangy pickled ginger make for a delicious and unique dish. Garnish with some green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
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Chicken And Pickled Ginger In Honey Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Peanut Oil, Pickled Ginger, Red Capsicum
This sweet and tangy chicken dish is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken repertoire. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and orange juice create a delicious and sticky glaze for the chicken. Top it off with some pickled ginger for a burst of tangy flavor.
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Sichuan Tuna Burgers with Pickled-Ginger Relish
Main Ingredients: Tuna Steak, Miso Paste, Wasabi, Soy Sauce, Green
These tuna burgers are packed with flavor and a little bit of heat. Mix together canned tuna, green onions, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns and form it into patties. Grill them up and top them off with a tangy and spicy pickled-ginger relish for a burger experience like no other.
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Carrot Ginger Soup with Scallions and Pickled Ginger
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Carrots, Garlic, Ginger, Crushed Red
This comforting and flavorful soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. The combination of carrots, ginger, and coconut milk create a deliciously creamy and satisfying base for the soup. Top it off with some scallions and pickled ginger for a pop of freshness and flavor.
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California Roll
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Nori Sheet, Meat Strips, Cucumber, Avocado
This classic sushi roll is a crowd favorite for a reason. The combination of crab meat, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in nori and rice and topped with pickled ginger is a winning flavor combination. Serve it with some soy sauce and wasabi for a true sushi experience.
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Vegetable and Spicy Tuna Maki
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Seasoned Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt
If you're a fan of spicy tuna rolls, you'll love this maki version with a twist. The addition of pickled ginger, cucumber, and avocado add a refreshing crunch to balance out the spicy kick from the tuna. Roll it all up and enjoy with some pickled ginger and soy sauce.
Main Ingredients: Pickled String Beans, Ground Pork, Chili Peppers, Chili
This flavorful and spicy stir-fry is a great way to incorporate pickled ginger into your side dishes. Stir-fry together pickled string beans, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns for a dish that is full of bold flavors and textures. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Spicy Tuna Roll
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Rice, Sushi Grade Tuna
Take your sushi game up a notch with this spicy tuna roll recipe. Mix together canned tuna, sriracha, and mayonnaise, and roll it up with some avocado and pickled ginger. The result is a roll that is full of flavor and has just the right amount of heat. Enjoy with some soy sauce and wasabi for an extra kick.
What is Japanese Pink Ginger?
The Origins of Pink Ginger
Pink ginger, or "asatsuki" in Japanese, is a type of ginger that is harvested in early spring, just as the plant begins to sprout its first shoots. It is typically grown in the southern regions of Japan, where the warm and humid climate is ideal for its growth. The young ginger is harvested before it fully matures, giving it a tender texture and a delicate pink color.
The Flavor Profile of Pink Ginger
Compared to its fully-grown counterpart, pink ginger has a milder flavor and is less pungent. It has a subtle sweetness and a tangy, slightly spicy taste that adds a refreshing kick to dishes. This makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding depth and complexity to any recipe.
How to Make Japanese Pink Ginger
Ingredients You Will Need
To make your own Japanese pink ginger, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh young ginger: Look for ginger that has a pale pink hue and firm texture.
Rice vinegar: This will give the ginger a tangy flavor and help preserve its color.
Sugar: Use white sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Salt: A pinch of salt will help balance out the flavors.
Instructions
Begin by peeling the ginger using a vegetable peeler or a spoon. Cut off any blemishes or dark spots.
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the ginger into thin strips or julienne them for a finer texture.
In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
Add the sliced ginger to the saucepan and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Transfer the ginger and the liquid into a clean jar and let it cool down completely.
Once cooled, store the jar in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before using.
Ways to Use Pink Ginger
There are countless ways to incorporate Japanese pink ginger into your cooking. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Sushi: Add a few slices of pink ginger to your sushi rolls for a burst of flavor and color.
Salads: Thinly sliced pink ginger can be a delicious addition to any salad, adding a refreshing crunch.
Miso soup: Add a few slices of pink ginger to your miso soup for a unique twist on a classic dish.
Stir-fries: Add some julienned pink ginger to your stir-fry for a zesty kick.
Tea: Grate some pink ginger and steep it in hot water for a soothing and aromatic tea.
In Conclusion
Making your own Japanese pink ginger is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any preservatives or artificial colors. Plus, the delicate flavor and beautiful color of pink ginger will elevate any dish it's added to. So why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of Japan to your cooking?