Chinese pickles, also known as "suan cai," have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. These pickled vegetables are not only a delicious addition to any meal, but they also provide numerous health benefits. With a tangy and slightly sour taste, Chinese pickles add a unique flavor profile to dishes and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as an ingredient in various recipes. In this article, we will delve into the world of Chinese pickles and provide you with a simple and authentic recipe to make your own at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and reap the health benefits of this traditional Chinese delicacy.
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Beef, Egg, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Ice Cubes
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you have to try these cold noodles. They're packed with flavor and are perfect for hot summer days. The secret to making these noodles is in the sauce. It's a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, spicy chili oil, and Chinese black vinegar. The result is a tangy and savory sauce that will have you coming back for more.
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Chinese Five Spice Roasted Peking Chicken For...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Oil, Chinese Five Spice Powder, Sea
This roasted Peking chicken recipe is a must-try for any Chinese five spice lover. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, giving it a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken is then roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin. Serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Dan Dan Noodles(担担面)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Peanuts, Spring Onion, Pork Mince
Dan Dan noodles are a popular Sichuan dish that is known for its spicy and numbing flavors. These noodles are typically made with a spicy sauce made from Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and ground pork, and are topped with pickled vegetables and scallions. The result is a mouthwatering combination of heat and tanginess that will leave you craving for more.
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Minced Pork Rice – Taiwan Flavor (台式卤肉饭、台式滷肉飯)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Mirin, Cooking Wine, Pork, Shallot, Sugar
This Taiwanese-style minced pork rice is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. The dish consists of minced pork that is braised in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, rice wine, and five spice powder. The tender and flavorful meat is then served over a bed of steamed rice and topped with preserved vegetables and scallions. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that will warm your soul.
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BETTER THAN TAKE OUT – Chicken Wonton Soup (千里香馄饨)
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Peeled Shrimp, Jiu Cai, Onion, Garlic
If you're a fan of wonton soup from your favorite Chinese takeout place, you have to try making it at home. This chicken wonton soup recipe is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. The wontons are filled with a mixture of ground chicken, garlic, ginger, and green onions, and are then cooked in a flavorful chicken broth. Serve it with some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Dan Dan Noodles Might Be the Perfect Dinner
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Coconut Aminos, Low Sodium Tamari, Toasted
Dan Dan noodles are not only delicious, but they're also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different types of protein like shrimp, beef, or tofu, and by adjusting the level of spiciness. You can also add in some vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for extra nutrients. No matter how you make it, Dan Dan noodles are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Dan Dan Noodles Might Be the Perfect Winter Dinner
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Coconut Aminos, Low Sodium Tamari, Toasted
If you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal to warm you up during the cold winter months, look no further than Dan Dan noodles. The spicy and savory flavors of the dish are perfect for cold weather, and the addition of ground pork and peanuts make it a filling and satisfying meal. Serve it with some steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious dinner.
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Stir-fried White Water Snowflake
Main Ingredients: Snowflake, Vegetable Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese Rice
This unique and delicious vegetable, also known as water snowflake or water celery, is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a crunchy texture and a mild flavor, making it a perfect addition to stir-fries. In this recipe, the white water snowflake is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, resulting in a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with any protein.
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Kosher Salt, Chinese Five Spice, Yellow
This hearty and comforting noodle soup is a staple in Sichuan cuisine. The beef is braised in a rich and flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, and chili bean paste, giving the broth a deep and complex flavor. The noodles are then added to the broth along with bok choy and pickled mustard greens, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Shell Pasta, Pickles, Cheddar Cheese, White Onion
Looking for a unique and flavorful pasta salad? Look no further than this dill pickle pasta salad. The tangy and briny flavor of the pickles pairs perfectly with the creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. The addition of dill and garlic gives the salad a refreshing and herbaceous taste. Serve it as a side dish or add some chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Love orange chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Now you can make it at home with this easy and delicious recipe. The chicken is coated in a cornstarch and egg mixture and then fried until crispy. The tangy and sweet sauce is made from orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, giving the dish a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it with some steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. In this recipe, tender strips of beef are stir-fried with broccoli and garlic in a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. The result is a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Serve it over some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Dill Pickle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, White Onion, Baby Carrots, Russet
If you're a fan of pickles, you have to try this unique and flavorful soup. The base of the soup is made from chicken broth, dill pickles, and sour cream, giving it a tangy and creamy taste. The addition of potatoes and carrots adds a heartiness to the soup, making it a perfect meal for a chilly night. Top it with some dill and croutons for extra flavor and texture.
Chinese fried rice is a classic and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. In this recipe, we use eggs, green onions, carrots, and peas, but you can also add in protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The key to making perfect fried rice is to use day-old rice, as it's less sticky and absorbs the flavors better. Serve it as a side dish or add some soy sauce and sriracha to make it a main dish.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you're tired of the same old chicken recipes, you have to try these Chinese chicken thighs. The thighs are marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice, and then baked to perfection. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a sticky and flavorful glaze. Serve it with some stir-fried vegetables and rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Baked Pickle Chips
Main Ingredients: Pickle, Eggs, Buffalo Sauce, Bread Crumbs, Garlic Salt
If you're a fan of fried pickles, you have to try these baked pickle chips. They're a healthier alternative to the fried version, but just as delicious. The pickles are coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, and then baked until crispy. Serve them with a creamy ranch dressing for a perfect appetizer or snack.
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Dill Pickle Dip
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Dill Pickles, Deli Ham, Ranch Seasoning
This dill pickle dip is a must-try for any pickle lover. It's creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. The base of the dip is made from sour cream and cream cheese, and then it's flavored with dill, garlic, and, of course, dill pickles. Serve it with some tortilla chips or vegetables for a tasty and addictive snack.
This Chinese chicken and broccoli dish is a healthier and homemade version of the takeout classic. The chicken is stir-fried with broccoli and garlic in a flavorful sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth. The result is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Old Time Favorite- Mustard Pickle
Main Ingredients: Pickle, Pickling Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Onions, Salt
If you've never tried mustard pickles, you're missing out. These tangy and flavorful pickles are made from a combination of mustard seeds, onions, cauliflower, and cucumbers. The pickles are then canned and aged, resulting in a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. They're a great addition to sandwiches and burgers, or can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.
This Chinese egg drop soup recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. The base of the soup is made from chicken broth, ginger, and garlic, and then thickened with a mixture of cornstarch and egg. The result is a warm and comforting soup that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Add some green onions and tofu for extra flavor and protein.
The Health Benefits of Chinese Pickles
Chinese pickles are not only flavorful, but they are also packed with health benefits. These pickled vegetables are an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome. This can aid in digestion and boost the immune system. Additionally, Chinese pickles are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any weight loss diet. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and collagen production. Furthermore, Chinese pickles contain antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. With all these health benefits, it's no wonder that Chinese pickles have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries.
The Traditional Chinese Pickle Recipe
Now that you know about the health benefits of Chinese pickles, let's dive into the traditional recipe. To make Chinese pickles, you will need ingredients such as Napa cabbage, kosher salt, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. The first step is to chop the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Next, sprinkle the cabbage with kosher salt and mix it well. Let the cabbage sit for about an hour to allow the salt to draw out the excess water. In the meantime, prepare the pickling mixture by combining ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes in a separate bowl. After an hour, rinse the cabbage and squeeze out any excess water. Then, mix in the pickling mixture and pack it tightly into a large jar. Let it ferment for 2-3 days at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Your homemade Chinese pickles are now ready to be enjoyed!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese pickles are not only a tasty addition to any meal, but they also offer numerous health benefits. With this simple and authentic recipe, you can make your own Chinese pickles at home and enjoy the tangy and slightly sour taste while reaping the health benefits. Give it a try and elevate your cooking game with this traditional Chinese delicacy.
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