20 Chinese Pickled Radish Recipe Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Chinese pickled radish, also known as "zha cai" in Mandarin, is a staple in many Chinese households. This tangy and crunchy side dish is a popular accompaniment to meals and is also a key ingredient in many traditional dishes. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits, making it a must-have in every kitchen. In this article, we will delve into the history of Chinese pickled radish and share an easy and authentic recipe for you to try at home.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with this delicious beer can chicken recipe. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, this chicken is packed with flavor. The beer adds a subtle sweetness and helps to keep the chicken moist as it cooks. Serve with some stir-fried vegetables and rice for a complete Chinese New Year feast.
Put a spin on traditional chicken salad with this Chinese-inspired recipe. The chicken is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar before being cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and tossed with a mix of noodles, cabbage, carrots, and peanuts, and dressed with a peanut dressing. It's a light and refreshing meal that's perfect for a hot summer day.
3of 20
Chinese Chicken Steam Buns
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Buns
If you've never had a steam bun before, you're in for a treat. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with beer can chicken, hoisin sauce, and pickled vegetables. The chicken is cooked on the grill with a beer can inside, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with the hoisin sauce before being stuffed into the steamed buns. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
4of 20
Chinese Chicken with Radish
Main Ingredients: Radish, Chicken Breast, Black Fungus, Egg White, Green
This dish may sound simple, but don't be fooled, it's packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey, before being cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. While the chicken cooks, radishes are roasted in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Serve the chicken and radishes together for a delicious and easy meal.
Carrot cake for dinner? Yes, please! This unique recipe combines a traditional Chinese steamed cake with beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. While the chicken cooks, a mixture of grated carrots, rice flour, and Chinese sausage is steamed to create a savory and satisfying side dish.
6of 20
Fun Guo (Chinese Pork Dumplings)
Main Ingredients: Radish, Mushroom, Minced Pork, Baking Powder, Sugar
If you're a fan of dim sum, you'll love these homemade Chinese pork dumplings. The filling is a combination of pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, and is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. The dumplings are then steamed with a beer can inside, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Serve these as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
7of 20
Low Carb Chinese Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Water, Garlic
Watching your carb intake? This beer can chicken salad is perfect for you. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being grilled with a beer can inside. The chicken is then served over a bed of kale, cabbage, and carrots, with a peanut dressing for a low-carb and flavorful meal.
8of 20
Chinese Chicken Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing
Main Ingredients: Kale, Carrots, Edamame, Jicama, Radishes, Orange
This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The chicken is cooked on the grill with a beer can inside, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's then served over a bed of kale, cabbage, carrots, and peanuts, and dressed with a peanut dressing. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
9of 20
Green Beans with Chinese Preserved Radish Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Green Beans, Radish, Cooking Oil, Ground Chicken
If you're looking to add some vegetables to your beer can chicken meal, this stir fry is a perfect choice. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being grilled with a beer can inside. While the chicken cooks, green beans and Chinese preserved radish are stir-fried with some garlic and ginger. Serve the chicken and stir fry together for a complete and delicious meal.
10of 20
Dim Sum Classic – Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Radish, Shiitake Mushroom, Dried Shrimp
If you're a fan of dim sum, you've probably had turnip cake before. This savory cake is made with a combination of grated radish, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is steamed with a beer can inside. The result is a delicious and unique dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
11of 20
Dan Dan Noodles , The Bastardized Version
Main Ingredients: Shanghai Noodles, Water, Chicken Broth, Chilli Flakes
This recipe is a unique twist on traditional Dan Dan noodles. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being grilled with a beer can inside. The noodles are then tossed with a spicy peanut sauce and served with the beer can chicken on top. It's a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
12of 20
Beijing’s Signature Noodles (炸酱面)
Main Ingredients: Yellow Soybean Paste, Sweet Bean Sauce, Water, Cooking
This dish may sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple to make at home. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. The noodles are then tossed with a spicy bean paste sauce and topped with the beer can chicken. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
13of 20
Braised Chicken with Radish
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Ginger, Garlic, Shiitake Mushrooms
This hearty dish is perfect for a cold winter night. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being braised with radishes, carrots, and potatoes. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that's perfect served over rice or noodles.
14of 20
Turnip Cake/Radish Cake
Main Ingredients: White Turnip, Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Chinese
Another delicious variation of turnip cake, this recipe combines grated radish, rice flour, and Chinese sausage with shredded beer can chicken. The mixture is then pan-fried until crispy and golden. Serve with some soy sauce for a delicious and unique appetizer or snack.
15of 20
Sichuan Style Braised Radish Carrot Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Carrot, Radish, Sichuan Peppercorn
This dish is packed with bold flavors and tender meat. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being braised with radishes, carrots, and pork. The result is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect served over rice or noodles.
16of 20
Hong Kong Style Radish Cake
Main Ingredients: Radish, Chinese Sausage, Mushroom, Shrimps, Dried
This dish is a classic in Hong Kong cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. The radish cake is made with grated radish, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is steamed with a beer can inside. Serve the two together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Instant Pot Sweet & Tangy Chicken
Main Ingredients: Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Tamari, Raw Honey
If you're looking for a quick and easy beer can chicken recipe, this one is for you. The chicken is cooked in an Instant Pot with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and ginger, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. The result is tender and juicy chicken that's perfect served over rice or noodles.
18of 20
Char Koay Kak (Fried Radish Cake) 怀旧炒罗卜糕
Main Ingredients: Radish, Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, Wheat Starch, Water
This dish may take a bit of time to prepare, but the end result is worth it. The radish cake is made with grated radish, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is pan-fried until crispy and golden. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, before being added to the pan with the radish cake. Serve with some hoisin sauce for a delicious and nostalgic meal.
19of 20
How to Make Vegan Teochew Crystal Dumpling
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, King Oyster Mushrooms, Carrot, Celery, Water
If you're looking for a vegan beer can chicken recipe, look no further. These crystal dumplings are filled with a mixture of tofu, mushrooms, and cabbage, and are steamed with a beer can inside. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
20of 20
Braised Kimchi, Radish and Pork Ribs (Instant Pot +...
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Ginger, Garlic, Shaoxing Wine, Radish, Salt
This unique recipe combines kimchi, radishes, and pork ribs with shredded beer can chicken. The mixture is then cooked in an Instant Pot for a delicious and easy meal. Serve with some rice for a complete and satisfying dish.
The History of Chinese Pickled Radish
The Origins
Pickling is a preservation method that has been used for centuries to prolong the shelf life of food. The earliest records of pickling can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. In China, pickling was primarily done with vegetables, and pickled radish was one of the most popular choices.
The Cultural Significance
In Chinese culture, pickled radish has a long history and holds a special place in traditional cuisine. It is believed that the pickling process was first introduced during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). It was commonly used as a way to preserve vegetables and add a tangy flavor to meals.
The Health Benefits
Not only is Chinese pickled radish a delicious addition to meals, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Radishes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They are also a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
The Recipe
Now that we've explored the history and cultural significance of Chinese pickled radish, it's time to try making it at home. Here's a simple and authentic recipe that you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 large daikon radish
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 dried chili pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Instructions:
1. Peel and slice the daikon radish into thin strips.
2. Place the radish strips in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse the radish strips with water and squeeze out any excess moisture.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Place the radish strips in a sterilized jar and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them.
6. Let the jar cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
In Conclusion
Chinese pickled radish is a versatile and flavorful condiment that has stood the test of time. Its history, cultural significance, and health benefits make it a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine. With this easy recipe, you can now enjoy this tangy and crunchy side dish in the comfort of your own home. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Chinese pickled radish.