Easy Pickled Celery, Japanese-Style

Looking for a refreshing way to use up extra celery? This quick and easy Japanese-style pickled celery is the perfect side dish or snack. Light, crunchy, and tangy-sweet with a hint of umami, it pairs beautifully with rice, grilled fish, or even as a bento side. Plus, it takes just minutes to prepare!

This recipe is inspired by the simple tsukemono (Japanese pickles) that often accompany home-cooked meals in Japan. It’s a great introduction to pickling for beginners and a clever way to make kids (and adults!) enjoy more vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Pickled Celery Recipe

Quick prep – Ready in under 10 minutes (plus resting time)
No special equipment – Just a bowl and fridge!
Kid-friendly – Mild and slightly sweet flavor
Great for meal prep – Keeps well in the fridge for several days

RECIPE

Servings: 3-4

Time: 10 min + overnight

Ingredients:

4 sticks of celery
2 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
Ginger slices

My Kitchen Tools

Tsukemono Pickle Container

Instructions:

Prep the Celery
Rinse and cut celery into bite-sized slices
If you prefer softer texture, peel the outer stringy layer using a vegetable peeler or a knife.
Salt and Rest
Toss celery with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and enhances the texture.
Mix Pickling Sauce
In a pot, combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger slices.
Stir until the sugar dissolves on low heat.
Combine and Chill
Pat celery dry with a paper towel.
Add to the pickling liquid and let it marinate in the fridge for overnight, but at least a few hours.