You’re walking through a bustling market in Ho Chi Minh City, the air thick with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Suddenly, a vibrant display of pickled mango catches your eye. The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor of pickled mango is a delightful experience, but you might be wondering, “What to eat with pickled mango?”
Exploring The Wonders of Pickled Mango
Pickled mango, or “mango chua” as it’s known in Vietnamese, is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine. This unique delicacy adds a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes, and its versatility makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Understanding the Flavor Profile
Pickled mango offers a complex flavor profile, combining sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The sweetness comes from the ripened mangoes, the sourness from the pickling process, and the spice from chilies or other seasonings used in the pickling brine. This combination of flavors creates a refreshing and invigorating taste that can be enjoyed in various ways.
What to Expect From Pickled Mango
Pickled mango is typically prepared by soaking sliced green mangoes in a brine made of vinegar, sugar, salt, and sometimes spices like chili peppers, garlic, or ginger. The brine penetrates the mangoes, giving them a tangy and slightly salty flavor. The pickling process also helps to preserve the mangoes, extending their shelf life.
Here is a visual of typical pickled mango in a Vietnamese market:
The Perfect Pairings
The tangy and slightly spicy flavor of pickled mango complements a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best pairings:
Vietnamese Cuisine
Bánh Mì: The tangy pickled mango adds a refreshing contrast to the savory fillings of a bánh mì, such as grilled pork, pate, and pickled vegetables.
Gỏi Cuốn: The combination of fresh herbs, rice paper, and pickled mango in a gỏi cuốn creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Bún Chả: The tangy and spicy notes of pickled mango enhance the richness of the grilled pork and vermicelli noodles in bún chả.
Thai Cuisine
Pad Thai: The tangy pickled mango adds a unique dimension to the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of pad thai, a popular stir-fried rice noodle dish.
Som Tum: The vibrant, spicy, and sour flavors of som tum, a green papaya salad, are perfectly balanced by the tangy sweetness of pickled mango.
Here’s a traditional Som Tum dish featuring pickled mango as a garnish:
Other Dishes
Pickled mango can be enjoyed with a variety of other dishes, such as:
Rice dishes: The tangy flavor of pickled mango can be used to add a refreshing contrast to rice dishes.
Salads: The sweet and sour flavor of pickled mango makes it a perfect addition to salads, adding a burst of flavor and refreshing element.
Sandwiches: Pickled mango can be added to sandwiches for a unique and flavorful twist.
Grilled Meats: The tangy and spicy notes of pickled mango can be used to cut through the richness of grilled meats.
Tips for Using Pickled Mango
Start small: When trying pickled mango for the first time, start with a small amount to see how it complements the dish.
Use it as a garnish: Pickled mango can be used as a garnish for dishes like grilled meats, salads, or rice dishes.
Add it to dips and sauces: Pickled mango can be added to dips and sauces to create a tangy and flavorful element.
Where to Find Pickled Mango
Pickled mango is readily available at Asian markets and specialty grocery stores. You can also find it online at various retailers.
You can even see how to make pickled mango at home, with a simple recipe:
Exploring More Flavors
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, consider exploring other Southeast Asian cuisines like:
Filipino cuisine: Filipino cuisine features a wide range of pickled fruits and vegetables, including pickled papaya, pickled green beans, and pickled plums.
Indonesian cuisine: Indonesian cuisine also features a wide variety of pickled vegetables, including pickled cucumbers, pickled ginger, and pickled carrots.
Conclusion
Pickled mango is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be enjoyed in various ways. From its use in traditional Vietnamese and Thai dishes to its ability to add a unique twist to other cuisines, pickled mango is a culinary gem worth exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, the tangy and spicy flavor of pickled mango is sure to delight your taste buds.
So, next time you find yourself in a market or grocery store, be sure to pick up a jar of pickled mango and explore the world of delicious flavor pairings.
