19 Chinese Preserved Turnip Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Chinese preserved turnip, also known as "mei gan cai" or "mei gan lan" in Mandarin, is a traditional staple in Chinese cuisine. This versatile ingredient is made by preserving turnips in salt and spices, resulting in a uniquely tangy and salty flavor. It is commonly used in stir-fries, stews, and soups, adding a burst of umami to any dish. Not only does it add a delicious flavor, but it also offers numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice in Chinese cooking. In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of Chinese preserved turnip and share a simple and delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Olive Oil, White Bread, Onion, Gruyere Cheese
Turnip gratin is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cooler weather. This French-inspired recipe combines tender turnips with creamy béchamel sauce and Gruyere cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal. It's a great way to introduce turnips into your cooking repertoire and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful dish to serve at your next gathering, try making a Chinese turnip cake. This savory cake is made with shredded turnips, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is commonly served during Chinese New Year celebrations. It's a delicious and traditional dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Chinese turnips, also known as daikon radishes, are a staple in Asian cuisine. They have a mild and slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. In Chinese cooking, they are often used in soups, stir-fries, and stews. They are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
4of 20
Slow Cooker Chinese Pot Roast
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Honey, Water, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Asian
This slow cooker Chinese pot roast is a delicious and easy way to incorporate Chinese flavors into a classic comfort food dish. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a tender and flavorful roast that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
5of 20
Chinese-Style Shredded Cold Vegetables and Tofu
Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Oil
This Chinese-style shredded cold vegetables and tofu is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for warmer weather. It features a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and tofu, tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing. It's a great dish to make ahead of time and bring to a picnic or potluck.
6of 20
Chinese Style Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mushrooms, Ground Pork, Turnip, Soy Sauce, Water
Chinese style stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and impressive appetizer that is perfect for entertaining. The mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and Chinese spices, and then baked until tender and golden brown. They are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
7of 20
Turnip Cakes
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Pork Belly, Chinese Sausages, Dried Shrimps
Turnip cakes, also known as radish cakes, are a popular dim sum dish in Chinese cuisine. They are made with shredded turnips, rice flour, and fried until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a savory dipping sauce and make for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Chinese New Year is a major holiday in Chinese culture that is celebrated with family gatherings, feasting, and traditional customs. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time to honor ancestors and bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with many traditional dishes, such as turnip cakes, being served.
9of 20
Savory Chinese Turnip Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Chinese Sausage, Bacon, Dried Shrimp, Scallions, White
Savory Chinese turnip pancakes are a delicious and unique twist on traditional pancakes. They are made with a batter of shredded turnips, flour, and eggs, and then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a savory dipping sauce and make for a tasty and filling breakfast or snack.
10of 20
Chinese Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Goh)
Main Ingredients: White Turnip, Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Chinese
This Chinese turnip cake, also known as lo bak goh, is a classic dish served during Chinese New Year celebrations. It's made with shredded turnips, rice flour, and Chinese sausage, and is steamed until tender and then pan-fried until crispy on the outside. It's a delicious and traditional dish that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
11of 20
Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Celery, Onions, Olive Oil, Medium
This easy vegetable and bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a quick and nourishing meal. It's packed with vegetables, beans, and flavorful Chinese spices, making it a healthy and delicious option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
12of 20
Fried Eggs with Preserved Turnip (菜圃蛋)
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Turnip, Oil
Fried eggs with preserved turnip, also known as cai pu dan, is a popular Chinese dish that is often served for breakfast or as a snack. It features fried eggs cooked with preserved turnip, scallions, and Chinese spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of day.
13of 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, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. It's made with shredded turnips, rice flour, and other ingredients, and can be steamed or pan-fried. It's often served as a savory side dish or as a dim sum item.
14of 20
KETO BREAKFAST "POTATOES"
Main Ingredients: Turnip, Onion, Bacon, Olive Oil, Paprika, Green Onion
Keto breakfast "potatoes" are a low-carb and delicious way to satisfy your craving for potatoes. This recipe uses turnips instead of potatoes, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The turnips are roasted with herbs and spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with eggs and bacon.
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce and is often served with rice or noodles. It's a delicious and easy dish to make at home, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. It features tender beef and crisp broccoli, stir-fried in a savory and garlicky sauce. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is a favorite among Chinese takeout enthusiasts.
17of 20
Oxtail Stew
Main Ingredients: Oxtails, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery
Oxtail stew is a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for colder months. It's made with tender oxtail, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is popular in many cuisines, including Chinese, and is often served with rice or noodles.
18of 20
Pressure Cooker Spicy Oxtail Stew
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Oxtail, White Pepper, Sliced Green Onions
This pressure cooker spicy oxtail stew is a delicious and easy way to make oxtail stew in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooker results in tender and flavorful oxtail, and the addition of Chinese spices and chili sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish. Serve it with rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Chinese fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite meats and vegetables, making it a great option for picky eaters. It's a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
20of 20
Balsamic Roasted Turnips
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Garlic
Balsamic roasted turnips are a simple and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The turnips are roasted with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, resulting in tender and caramelized turnips that are full of flavor. This dish is a great way to introduce turnips to those who may not be familiar with them and is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
History and Cultural Significance of Chinese Preserved Turnip
The Origins of Chinese Preserved Turnip
Preserving food has been a common practice in Chinese culture for centuries, as a way to preserve and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Chinese preserved turnip is believed to have originated from Northern China, where turnips were widely grown and used as a staple crop. The technique of preserving turnips in salt and spices was developed as a way to store them for long periods, especially during the winter months when fresh produce was scarce.
The Significance of Chinese Preserved Turnip in Cooking
In traditional Chinese cuisine, balance and harmony are key principles, and the use of preserved turnip is a perfect example of this. Its tangy and salty flavor helps to balance out the richness of meat and other ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in a dish. It is also used to add texture and depth to dishes, making it a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
The Symbolism of Chinese Preserved Turnip
In addition to its culinary significance, Chinese preserved turnip also holds symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. Its round shape and yellow color are often associated with wealth and prosperity, making it a popular ingredient in dishes served during Chinese New Year celebrations. It is also believed to bring good luck and fortune, making it a must-have ingredient in many traditional dishes.
Simple and Delicious Chinese Preserved Turnip Recipe
Now that you know the history and cultural significance of Chinese preserved turnip, let's try a simple and delicious recipe that showcases its unique flavor.
Ingredients:
1 pound Chinese preserved turnip
1 pound pork belly, sliced thinly
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cups water
Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Rinse the preserved turnip and cut into small cubes.
In a wok or large pan, cook the pork belly until browned and crispy. Set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Add the preserved turnip and stir-fry for a few minutes.
Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the cooked pork belly and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice.
Bring the Flavors of Chinese Preserved Turnip to Your Table
Whether you're looking to add a unique flavor to your cooking or want to incorporate more traditional ingredients into your meals, Chinese preserved turnip is a must-try. With its rich history and cultural significance, it not only adds delicious flavor to dishes but also brings a sense of tradition and symbolism to the table. So why not give it a try and bring the flavors of Chinese preserved turnip to your next meal?
![Pressure Cooker Oxtail Stew [Italian Style +VIDEO] - Healthy World Cuisine](https://www.hwcmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/EASY-PRESSURE-COOKER-OXTAIL-STEW-_PIN-3-683x1024.jpg)
