18 Chinese Vegetable Pickles Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Vegetable pickles are an essential part of Chinese cuisine, adding a tangy and savory flavor to any meal. These pickles are not only delicious but also provide numerous health benefits. They are rich in probiotics, which promote a healthy gut and aid in digestion. Additionally, they are low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Making your own Chinese vegetable pickles at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking.
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Veggies, Greens, Beans, Seeds, Tofu
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack or meal in Japan. Traditionally, they are made with white rice and filled with different ingredients such as fish, pickled plum, or vegetables. However, for those following a vegan diet, there are plenty of delicious and creative options for onigiri fillings. Here are six delicious vegan onigiri recipes to try.
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Orange Peel Crispy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Juice, Orange Zest, Hoisin Sauce, Low
This recipe takes a Chinese-inspired dish and gives it a vegan twist. The crispy tofu is coated in a flavorful sauce made with orange peel, soy sauce, and Chinese five spice for a burst of flavor. The lettuce wraps add a refreshing crunch, making this a perfect summer meal.
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Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Chicken fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This vegan version uses tofu instead of chicken and is loaded with colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal. It's easy to make and perfect for a festive occasion.
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Chinese Cold Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Beef, Egg, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Ice Cubes
This simple yet flavorful dish is a popular street food in China. The noodles are tossed in a peanut sauce made with sesame paste, soy sauce, and Chinese black vinegar. The addition of cucumbers and bean sprouts adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
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Dan Dan Noodles(担担面)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Peanuts, Spring Onion, Pork Mince
Dan Dan noodles are a Sichuan specialty that is known for its spicy and numbing flavors. In this vegan version, the ground pork is replaced with tofu crumbles and the spicy sauce is made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and sesame seeds. It's a perfect dish for those who love a good kick of heat.
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Chinese Five Spice Roasted Peking Chicken For...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Oil, Chinese Five Spice Powder, Sea
This dish is a vegan take on the famous Peking duck, a traditional Chinese dish. The "chicken" is made with seitan and is marinated in a sauce made with Chinese five spice, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. The result is a flavorful and tender "meat" that is perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is a fusion of Chinese and American flavors. The stir-fry features turkey as the protein and is cooked with a mixture of Chinese sauces and spices such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and five spice powder. Serve it with some rice for a delicious and hearty meal.
These lettuce wraps are inspired by the popular dish served at P.F. Chang's. The vegan version uses ground soy crumbles as the protein and is cooked with Chinese sauces and spices such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five spice powder. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course.
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Indo Chinese Chilli Garlic Noodles
Main Ingredients: Mein, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Oil, Garlic, Red Chillies
This dish is a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors. The noodles are cooked with Indo Chinese sauces such as chili garlic sauce and soy sauce, giving it a spicy and tangy flavor. The addition of tofu and vegetables makes it a complete and delicious meal.
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Chinese Chicken Fried Quinoa
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Cooking Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery
This recipe is a healthier version of the classic Chinese chicken fried rice. Instead of rice, it uses quinoa as the base and is cooked with Chinese sauces and spices such as five spice powder and soy sauce. The result is a protein-packed and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Nourishing Chinese Soup in 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dried Shrimp, Ginger, Coriander, Water, Silken Tofu
This soup is hearty, nutritious, and can be made in just 15 minutes. It's loaded with vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy, and is flavored with Chinese spices such as five spice powder and Sichuan peppercorns. Serve it with some rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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Chinese dumplings / potstickers for Lunar New Year
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Skins, Ground Meat, Veggies, Soy Sauce, Sesame
Dumplings, also known as potstickers, are a must-have dish during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. This vegan version uses tofu as the filling and is seasoned with Chinese sauces and spices such as soy sauce, five spice powder, and sesame oil. They are a delicious and festive addition to any Lunar New Year feast.
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Tomatoes, Yogurt, Pickle, Avocado, Fresh
This refreshing salad is perfect for a summer day. The cucumbers are dressed with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill and parsley. It's a low-calorie and nutritious option that is also suitable for those following the Weight Watchers program.
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How We Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Soppressata, Coppa, Finocchiona, Salami
Charcuterie and cheese boards are a perfect option for entertaining guests. They are easy to put together and offer a variety of flavors and textures. This recipe includes a selection of vegan cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers for a beautiful and delicious spread.
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Summer Crudité Tray
Main Ingredients: Veggie, Hummus, Olive Oil, Veggies, Summer Fruit
This colorful and fresh crudité tray is perfect for a summer gathering. It includes a variety of seasonal vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and is served with a creamy dip made with cashews and herbs. It's a healthy and beautiful option for any party.
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Chicken Salad Board
Main Ingredients: Salt, Pepper, Romaine Lettuce Leaves, Bread, Roasted
This chicken salad board offers a fun and creative way to serve a classic dish. The chicken salad is made with chickpeas and vegan mayo, and is served with a variety of toppings such as grapes, almonds, and avocado. It's a perfect option for a light lunch or a party spread.
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Ultimate Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Whole Grain Bread, Hummus, Veggies, Tomato, Onions
This veggie and hummus sandwich is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick lunch or dinner. It's loaded with vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and spinach, and is spread with a flavorful hummus made with chickpeas, lemon juice, and tahini.
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Rainbow Veggie Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Sandwich Bread, Hummus, Veggies, Tomato, Bell Pepper
This colorful sandwich is not only visually appealing but also delicious and healthy. It's filled with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beets, and avocado, and is spread with a creamy avocado sauce. It's a perfect option for a light and nutritious lunch.
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Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board
Main Ingredients: Red Pear, Cloves, Nuts, Pistachios, Carrot Sticks
This cheese board is a fun and creative way to serve a Thanksgiving feast. The "turkey" is made with vegan cheese and is surrounded by a variety of fruits, nuts, and crackers. It's a perfect appetizer or a festive centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Easy Holiday Cheese Board.
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Pepperoni, Meats, Prosciutto, Pistachios, Nuts
This cheese board is a simple and delicious option for any holiday gathering. It includes a selection of vegan cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers, and is topped with a cranberry compote for a festive touch. It's a perfect option for those who love a good cheese platter.
The Key Ingredients for Chinese Vegetable Pickles
1. Vegetables
The star of the show when it comes to Chinese vegetable pickles are the vegetables themselves. Cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and cabbage are all popular choices for pickling. However, feel free to get creative and use any other fresh and firm vegetables you have on hand.
2. Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in pickling as it draws out moisture from the vegetables and creates the perfect environment for the growth of good bacteria. Sea salt is the best option for pickling as it is unrefined and has a higher mineral content.
3. Seasonings
Seasonings add depth and flavor to the pickles. Ginger, garlic, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns are commonly used in Chinese vegetable pickles. You can also add chili peppers for a spicy kick or Chinese five-spice powder for a unique flavor profile.
The Pickling Process
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and cutting the vegetables into desired shapes. You can slice them, chop them into chunks, or leave them whole.
2. Salt the Vegetables
Sprinkle sea salt over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse and Drain
After 30 minutes, rinse the vegetables thoroughly to remove excess salt. Drain them and pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Add Seasonings
In a separate bowl, mix together the seasonings of your choice. Toss the vegetables in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
5. Pickling Jar
Pack the seasoned vegetables tightly into a clean pickling jar. Make sure there is enough liquid to cover the vegetables completely.
6. Fermentation
Cover the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days. Check on the pickles daily and press them down to release any air bubbles.
7. Refrigeration
Once the pickles are ready, move the jar to the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks and will continue to develop flavor over time.
Get Creative with Your Pickles
There are endless possibilities when it comes to making Chinese vegetable pickles. You can experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and even add fruit to the mix for a unique twist. So why not give this easy and healthy recipe a try and add a burst of flavor to your next meal?