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Yamagobo (Japanese Pickled Burdock)

A simple 5-ingredient recipe for homemade Japanese pickled burdock (yamagobo) in less than 10 minutes.

Prep Time
8 mins
Total Time
8 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 144 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

  • ½ pound burdock root (gobo)
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ tablespoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon soy sauce
  • ⅔ cup hot water (microwaved for 1 minute)
  • 2 teaspoons carrot powder (or 3-4 drops orange food coloring)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the Pickling Brine. In a clean jar or heatproof container, stir hot water and sugar together until fully dissolved. Then mix in rice vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and carrot powder (or food coloring). Let the brine cool to room temperature.
  2. Prep the Burdock Root. Scrape off the skin using the back of a knife or a veggie scrubber. Rinse well. Cut into matchstick-sized pieces or long sticks (about 3–4 inches long).
  3. Pickle the Gobo. Add the sliced burdock root to the jar. Make sure it's fully submerged in the brine—add more water if needed. Seal the jar.
  4. Chill & Store. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating (3–5 days for the best flavor). Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Soak in Water: After cutting, soak the burdock in cold water for 10–15 minutes to prevent browning and reduce bitterness.
  • Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the sticks evenly so they pickle at the same rate.
  • Bright Color Boost: Carrot powder adds natural color, but food coloring gives that classic vivid orange seen in sushi bars.
  • Wait It Out: The flavor gets better the longer it sits—aim for at least 3 days for that classic tangy crunch.
  • Soak in Water: After cutting, soak the burdock in cold water for 10–15 minutes to prevent browning and reduce bitterness.
  • Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the sticks evenly so they pickle at the same rate.
  • Bright Color Boost: Carrot powder adds natural color, but food coloring gives that classic vivid orange seen in sushi bars.
  • Wait It Out: The flavor gets better the longer it sits—aim for at least 3 days for that classic tangy crunch.

Nutrition Information

Calories 144kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 0.2g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.01g (0%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.03g Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g Sodium 1003mg (42%) Potassium 181mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 27g (54%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 28mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 144

% Daily Value*

Calories 144kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 0.2g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.03g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g 0%
Sodium 1003mg 42%
Potassium 181mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 27g 54%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 28mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.