19 Chinese Pickled Vegetable Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese pickled vegetables, also known as "suan cai" or "suan tsai," are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These tangy and crunchy vegetables are a popular side dish and can also be used as a flavorful addition to soups, stir-fries, and other dishes. Not only are they delicious, but they also have many health benefits. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Chinese pickled vegetable recipe that is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Juice, Orange Zest, Hoisin Sauce, Low
These delicious lettuce wraps are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine without the guilt. Crispy tofu is seasoned with Chinese five-spice powder and orange peel, then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of savory and citrus flavors makes for a truly mouth-watering dish.
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Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Ring in the Chinese New Year with this flavorful chicken fried rice. Jasmine rice is stir-fried with tender pieces of chicken breast, eggs, and Chinese sausage for a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish for a full Chinese-inspired meal.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese stir-fry, this recipe is for you. Lean ground turkey is cooked with mixed vegetables and seasoned with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic. This dish is a delicious way to get your Chinese food fix without the added guilt.
These chicken lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy option for a quick and easy meal. Ground chicken is cooked with water chestnuts, garlic, and green onions, then served in crisp lettuce cups for a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of hoisin sauce adds the perfect touch of sweetness to this dish.
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Chinese Chicken Fried Quinoa
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Cooking Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery
Put a healthy twist on traditional Chinese fried rice with this recipe for chicken fried quinoa. Instead of using rice, this dish uses quinoa, a protein-packed superfood. It's cooked with chicken broth, chicken breast, eggs, and mixed vegetables for a flavorful and filling meal.
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Indo Chinese Chilli Garlic Noodles
Main Ingredients: Mein, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Oil, Garlic, Red Chillies
Spice up your dinner with these delicious chilli garlic noodles. These noodles are cooked with a spicy garlic sauce and mixed vegetables for a dish that packs a flavorful punch. Top it off with some toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.
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Main Ingredients: Dried Shrimp, Ginger, Coriander, Water, Silken Tofu
This Chinese soup is a great option for a quick and nourishing meal. Made with chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms, this soup is both comforting and healthy. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make!
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Chinese dumplings / potstickers for Lunar New Year
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Skins, Ground Meat, Veggies, Soy Sauce, Sesame
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these traditional Chinese dumplings, also known as potstickers. Ground pork is mixed with cabbage, green onions, and ginger, then wrapped in wonton wrappers and pan-fried to perfection. Serve them with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
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Hakka Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Veggies, Spring Onions, Soy Sauce, Tomato
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Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Flank Steak, Oyster
If you're a fan of stir-fried noodles, you'll love this recipe for Chinese beef chow mein. Tender beef strips are cooked with egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and a savory soy sauce-based sauce. It's a classic Chinese dish that is sure to please.
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Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanses Pork Rice Bowl)
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Pork Belly, Shaoxing Wine
This traditional Taiwanese dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Pork belly is braised in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, then served over a bed of steamed rice. It's a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
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Lemon Basil Shrimp Noodles
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Chicken Fried Rice
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Lu Rou Fan – Braised Tofu Rice Bowl ‘素滷肉飯’
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Mushrooms, Garlic, Large Shallots, Green
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The Process of Pickling Vegetables
Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables
The first step in making Chinese pickled vegetables is to choose the right vegetables. Cabbage, radish, cucumber, and carrot are commonly used in this recipe. Make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before pickling.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
The brine is a crucial ingredient in the pickling process as it gives the vegetables their tangy taste. In a pot, mix together rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cool down.
Step 3: Cut and Massage the Vegetables
Cut the vegetables into thin slices or bite-size pieces. Massaging the vegetables with salt helps to soften them and release excess water, which will prevent the pickles from becoming too watery. Rinse the salt off the vegetables and drain them.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
In a jar, layer the vegetables with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers for added flavor. You can also add other spices like Sichuan peppercorns or star anise to give your pickles a unique taste.
Step 5: Pour the Brine
Pour the cooled brine into the jar, making sure that all the vegetables are fully submerged. You can add more water if needed. Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for a day before transferring it to the fridge.
The Benefits of Chinese Pickled Vegetables
Chinese pickled vegetables are not only a tasty addition to meals, but they also offer numerous health benefits. They are a good source of probiotics, which promote a healthy gut and aid in digestion. The pickling process also increases the antioxidant levels in the vegetables, making them an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the fermentation process breaks down the vegetables, making their nutrients more easily absorbed by the body.
In Chinese medicine, pickled vegetables are believed to have cleansing properties and are often used to help with respiratory and digestive issues. They are also a popular remedy for hangovers, as the brine helps to rehydrate the body and replenish essential electrolytes.
In conclusion, Chinese pickled vegetables are not only a delicious and versatile addition to your meals, but they also offer numerous health benefits. With this traditional recipe, you can easily make your own pickled vegetables at home and enjoy their tangy and flavorful taste. Give it a try and see for yourself the many benefits of this ancient Chinese dish.
