What Pairs Well With Pickled Ginger?

Picture of a Pickled Ginger

Category: Condiment

Pickled ginger, also known as gari, is a type of pickled condiment made from thinly sliced young ginger root that has been marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is commonly served as a palate cleanser and accompaniment to sushi and sashimi dishes in Japanese cuisine. Pickled ginger has a sweet and tangy flavor with a slightly spicy kick from the ginger, and it is typically pale pink in color due to the addition of red food coloring. It is often enjoyed for its refreshing and cleansing properties that help to enhance the flavors of sushi and other dishes.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Sweet
  • Pungent
  • Spicy
  • Tangy

What goes with Pickled Ginger:

  • Fish – Fish pairs well with pickled ginger because the tangy and slightly sweet flavor of the ginger complements the delicate and mild taste of the fish.
  • Mixed Greens – Mixed greens pairs well with pickled ginger because the tangy and slightly sweet flavor of the ginger complements the fresh and crisp taste of the greens.
  • Rice – Rice pairs well with pickled ginger because the tangy and slightly sweet flavor of the ginger complements the neutral taste of the rice, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Vegetables – The sharp and tangy flavor of pickled ginger complements the earthy and fresh taste of vegetables.
  • Sushi – Pickled ginger (gari) is a traditional palate cleanser between different types of sushi, helping to enhance the flavors of each sushi piece.
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce pairs well with pickled ginger because the salty umami flavor of the soy sauce complements the tangy and slightly sweet taste of the pickled ginger.
  • Avocado – The creamy texture of avocado complements the tangy and slightly sweet flavor of pickled ginger.
  • Dressing – The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of pickled ginger complements the creamy and savory taste of dressing.
  • Tempura – The sweet and tangy flavor of pickled ginger provides a nice contrast to the savory and crispy texture of tempura, creating a balanced meal.
  • Teriyaki – Pickled ginger’s refreshing taste and crunchy texture complements the rich and sweet taste of teriyaki sauce, offering a palate-refreshing break.
  • Ramen – The acidity in pickled ginger can help cut through the heavy and fatty broth in ramen, balancing out the flavors and making each bite more enjoyable.
  • Grilled Meats – Pickled ginger’s tangy and sweet taste can help balance the smoky and charred flavors of grilled meats, while its cool temperature provides a nice contrast in temperature.
  • Nori Seaweed – Nori seaweed pairs well with pickled ginger because the salty and umami flavors of the seaweed complement the tangy and slightly sweet taste of the ginger.
  • Noodles – The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of pickled ginger complements the savory and chewy texture of noodles.
  • Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds pair well with pickled ginger because the nutty flavor of the seeds complements the tangy and slightly sweet taste of the ginger.
  • Wasabi –