Step 1: Prepare Pickled Vegetables

Goal: Create authentic Vietnamese do chua pickled vegetables that provide the signature sweet-tangy crunch essential for banh mi

1. Prepare your pickling liquid:

   • Mix 1/2 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl
     _{↗ rice vinegar brands | pickling guide}
   • Stir until sugar and salt completely dissolve (about 30 seconds)
   • Expected result: Clear liquid with no visible granules

2. Julienne your vegetables:

   • Cut 1 medium carrot and 1 small daikon radish into thin matchsticks (2-3 inches long, 1/8 inch thick)
     _{↗ technique video | see images}
   • Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent cuts
   • Expected result: Uniform vegetable strips that will pickle evenly

3. Combine and pickle:

   • Add julienned vegetables to the pickling liquid
   • Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated
   • Cover bowl and let sit at room temperature for minimum 30 minutes
   • Expected result: Vegetables begin to soften and absorb the tangy-sweet flavor

4. Test for readiness:

   • Taste a piece after 30 minutes - should be crisp but not raw, with balanced sweet-sour flavor
   • For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight before using
     _{↗ overnight pickling tips}
   • Expected result: Vegetables maintain crunch while being thoroughly pickled

If vegetables are too salty: Rinse briefly with cold water and add 1 teaspoon more sugar to the liquid
If vegetables are too soft: They were cut too thin or pickled too long - use thicker cuts next time
If flavor is too mild: Add 1 more tablespoon rice vinegar and let pickle 15 minutes longer

You'll know you're done when: Your do chua has the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors with crisp texture

• Vegetables are tender-crisp, not mushy or raw
• Liquid tastes balanced - sweet, tangy, and slightly salty
• Carrot and daikon pieces are evenly coated and flavorful
• Vegetables maintain their bright color and haven't turned brown

Ready for next step? Your pickled vegetables will keep improving in flavor while you prepare the perfect baguette foundation.