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Japanese Pickled Cauliflower Coca-Cola

Japanese Pickled Cauliflower Coca-Cola recipe image
This unique Japanese-inspired pickled cauliflower recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional sunomono. By using Coca-Cola as the base for the brine, you achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the crisp texture of the raw vegetables. The dish features tender-crisp cauliflower florets, thinly sliced celery, and green bell pepper, all marinated in a mixture of cola, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is a refreshing, vegan-friendly side dish that cuts through richer foods with its bright, clean flavor. Ideal for summer picnics, bento boxes, or as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to grilled meats, this pickled vegetable mix improves in flavor after chilling overnight. It is a creative way to use up garden produce while adding a modern, slightly sweet twist to your table.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 65
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This unique Japanese-inspired pickled cauliflower recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional sunomono. By using Coca-Cola as the base for the brine, you achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the crisp texture of the raw vegetables. The dish features tender-crisp cauliflower florets, thinly sliced celery, and green bell pepper, all marinated in a mixture of cola, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is a refreshing, vegan-friendly side dish that cuts through richer foods with its bright, clean flavor. Ideal for summer picnics, bento boxes, or as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to grilled meats, this pickled vegetable mix improves in flavor after chilling overnight. It is a creative way to use up garden produce while adding a modern, slightly sweet twist to your table.
Ingredients
  • 1 medium cauliflower, separated into florets
  • 1/2 cup celery, very thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch strips
  • 3/4 cup Coca-Cola
  • 6 tbsp wine vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • boiling water, for blanching
Directions
  1. 1
    Wash the cauliflower florets and drain well.
  2. 2
    In a large heat-proof bowl, combine the cauliflower florets and green bell pepper strips.
  3. 3
    Pour boiling water over the vegetables to cover them.
  4. 4
    Let stand for exactly 2 minutes to blanch slightly, then drain thoroughly.
  5. 5
    Stir in the thinly sliced celery to the drained vegetables.
  6. 6
    In a small saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
  7. 7
    Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously.
  8. 8
    Pour the warm brine over the vegetable mixture in the bowl.
  9. 9
    Toss lightly with a fork to ensure all vegetables are coated in the liquid.
  10. 10
    Pack the vegetables and liquid tightly into a 1-quart glass jar or container.
  11. 11
    Press down lightly on the vegetables to ensure they are submerged in the brine.
  12. 12
    Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 65kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 380mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 16.5g6%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g15%
Sugars 13.0g
Protein 1.5g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. The pickles will keep for up to 5 days.

Variations: For a deeper color, you can use red bell peppers instead of green. You can also add thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch.

Tip: Ensure the vegetables are well-drained after blanching so the brine isn't diluted.

Serving: Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled fish, chicken, or rice bowls.

Keywords: japanese pickles, cauliflower salad, coca cola recipe, vegan side dish, quick pickles, celery salad, bell pepper, vinegar brine, refreshing snack, summer vegetables, bento box, healthy pickles, no cook, chilled vegetables, asian fusion, vegetable marinade, crunchy vegetables, party appetizer, easy vegan, leftover veggies
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/japanese-pickled-cauliflower-coca-cola/