17 Chinese Pickled Turnip Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Chinese pickled turnips, also known as suan cai, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These tangy and crunchy vegetables are often used as a condiment or added to dishes for a burst of flavor. Making your own pickled turnips at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. In this article, we will walk you through a traditional Chinese pickled turnip recipe that is sure to elevate your meals.
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Olive Oil, White Bread, Onion, Gruyere Cheese
Turnip gratin is a delicious and hearty side dish that is perfect for any meal. It combines layers of thinly sliced turnips with a creamy, cheesy sauce and is baked to perfection. This dish is a great way to use up any extra turnips you may have on hand, and it pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Chinese turnip cake, also known as "lo bak goh," is a popular dish served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This savory dish is made with shredded turnip, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is often pan-fried until crispy on the outside. It is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their Chinese cuisine repertoire.
Chinese turnip, also known as daikon radish, is a large, white, tuberous root vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and a crisp texture, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. It can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked and is a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
4of 20
Slow Cooker Chinese Pot Roast
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Honey, Water, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Asian
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that you can set and forget, then look no further than slow cooker Chinese pot roast. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with Chinese spices and turnips for a delicious and easy meal. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
5of 20
Chinese-Style Shredded Cold Vegetables and Tofu
Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Oil
This refreshing and light dish is perfect for a hot summer day. It combines shredded turnip, carrots, and tofu with a tangy dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is a staple at many Chinese restaurants.
6of 20
Chinese Style Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mushrooms, Ground Pork, Turnip, Soy Sauce, Water
Elevate your stuffed mushroom game with this Chinese-inspired version. The filling is made with ground pork, chopped turnip, and Chinese spices, making it a flavorful and unique twist on the classic appetizer. Serve it at your next dinner party or potluck for a crowd-pleasing dish.
7of 20
Turnip Cakes
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Pork Belly, Chinese Sausages, Dried Shrimps
Turnip cakes, or "luo bo gao," are a popular dim sum dish made with grated turnip, rice flour, and Chinese sausage. They are pan-fried until crispy on the outside and served with a savory soy sauce for dipping. These cakes are a must-try for anyone looking to expand their dim sum palate.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world. It is a time for families to gather, eat delicious food, and participate in traditional activities like lion dances and firecrackers. Turnip dishes, like turnip cakes and turnip cake soup, are often eaten during this festive time.
9of 20
Savory Chinese Turnip Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Chinese Sausage, Bacon, Dried Shrimp, Scallions, White
These savory Chinese turnip pancakes are a delicious and unique way to use up any extra turnips you may have on hand. They are made with a batter of shredded turnip, flour, and eggs, and are pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve them as a side dish or as a tasty snack.
10of 20
Chinese Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Goh)
Main Ingredients: White Turnip, Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Chinese
If you're a fan of Chinese turnip cake, then you have to try making it at home with this easy and delicious recipe. It combines grated turnip with rice flour, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp, and is steamed until soft and tender. Serve it with a drizzle of soy sauce and enjoy it as a tasty breakfast or snack.
11of 20
Pickled Turnips
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Bay Leaf, White Vinegar, Turnips, Beet
If you're a fan of pickles, then you have to try pickled turnips. These tangy and crunchy pickles are made by fermenting turnip with salt, vinegar, and spices. They are a popular condiment in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes and add a delicious tang to sandwiches and salads.
12of 20
Japanese pickled vegetables (tsukemono)
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Zucchinis, Turnips, White Miso Paste
Japanese pickled vegetables, or "tsukemono," are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made by pickling a variety of vegetables, including turnips, in a mixture of salt, sugar, and vinegar. They are often served as a side dish or condiment and add a refreshing and tangy element to any meal.
13of 20
Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Celery, Onions, Olive Oil, Medium
This hearty and nutritious soup is packed with turnips, carrots, beans, and other vegetables for a delicious and comforting meal. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
14of 20
Turnip Cake/Radish Cake
Main Ingredients: White Turnip, Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Chinese
Turnip cake, also known as radish cake, is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines. It is made with grated turnip, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is often pan-fried until crispy on the outside. It's a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.
15of 20
KETO BREAKFAST "POTATOES"
Main Ingredients: Turnip, Onion, Bacon, Olive Oil, Paprika, Green Onion
If you're following a keto diet and are missing potatoes, then give these keto breakfast "potatoes" a try. They are made with turnips, which are a low-carb alternative to potatoes, and are seasoned with garlic and herbs for a tasty and satisfying breakfast option.
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish at many Chinese restaurants, and for good reason. It combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce for a delicious and addictive meal. Add some turnip and other vegetables to the dish for a tasty and nutritious twist.
17of 20
Lightly Pickled Turnip
Main Ingredients: Turnip, Yuzu, Kombu, Salt
If you're not a fan of strong pickled flavors, then give lightly pickled turnip a try. This dish is made by lightly pickling turnip with salt, sugar, and vinegar, resulting in a milder and sweeter flavor. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and add a refreshing element to your meals.
If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese-inspired meal, then Chinese beef and broccoli is a great option. This dish combines tender beef with broccoli and other vegetables in a savory and flavorful sauce. Add some diced turnip to the dish for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
19of 20
Wild Pickled Turnips
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Beets, Water, Salt
Wild pickled turnips are a traditional Middle Eastern dish made by pickling turnips with beets and spices. The result is a beautiful and tangy dish that is often served as a side or appetizer. It's a great way to use up any extra turnips and add some variety to your meals.
20of 20
Chinese Steamed Pumpkin Kuih
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Meat, Dried Prawns, Dried Shitake Mushrooms
Kuih is a type of steamed cake that is popular in many Asian countries, including China. This version uses pumpkin and turnip to create a moist and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It's a unique and tasty way to use up any leftover turnips and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
1. Turnips
To make Chinese pickled turnips, you will need to start with the star ingredient - turnips. Look for fresh, firm turnips at your local Asian market or grocery store. Choose small to medium-sized turnips as they are more tender and have a better texture when pickled.
2. Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in pickling as it helps to draw out moisture from the turnips and preserve them. Use coarse salt or pickling salt as they do not contain any additives that can affect the pickling process.
3. Sugar
Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the pickled turnips and balances out the tanginess from the vinegar. Use white granulated sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
4. Rice Wine Vinegar
Rice wine vinegar is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and gives the pickled turnips a slightly sweet and tangy taste. If you cannot find rice wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient that adds a savory and pungent flavor to the pickled turnips. Make sure to use fresh garlic cloves and crush them before adding them to the pickling mixture.
Instructions:
1. Prep and Cut the Turnips
Wash and peel the turnips, then cut them into thin slices or cubes. You can also use a mandolin to get even and thin slices. Place the turnips in a large bowl.
2. Add Salt and Massage
Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the turnips and massage them with your hands. This will help to draw out the moisture from the turnips. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse and Drain
Rinse the turnips with cold water and drain them well. Use a kitchen towel to pat them dry.
4. Make the Pickling Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, rice wine vinegar, and crushed garlic cloves. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your taste preference.
5. Combine and Store
Add the turnips to the pickling mixture and make sure they are well coated. Transfer the mixture to a jar and press down the turnips to remove any air bubbles. Cover the jar and store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 days before consuming.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chinese Pickled Turnips!
Making your own Chinese pickled turnips is not only a fun and easy process but also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Use these pickled turnips as a topping for sandwiches, salads, or enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite Chinese dishes. Give this recipe a try and elevate your meals with these tangy and crunchy pickled turnips.