Chinese Pickled Cabbage Recipes

ASIAN PICKLED CABBAGE RESTAURANT APPETIZER

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, hand-rip the cabbage into large pieces (about 3" x 3" pieces)--they will shrink after pickling. Add in the cut carrots and ¼ cup salt. Use your hands to thoroughly and evenly distribute the salt with the vegetables. Top the vegetables with a heavy object (I used a baking dish with a large, heavy mortar and pestle on top, but you could use foil-wrapped bricks or any other heavy objects), and marinate for an hour in the refrigerator. This process removes excess liquid and makes the vegetables crunchy, but don't marinate for too long or the cabbage will be too salty.
• Next, add the water and sugar (here is where you would add the optional bay leaves and Sichuan peppercorns I mentioned) in a small pot. Bring to boil, and turn off the heat. Stir in the vinegar and ½ teaspoon salt. Let the liquid cool completely. It's a good time to taste the liquid with a clean spoon to make sure you like the levels of sweet and sour, and adjust accordingly. Please use a clean spoon every time you dip into the brine.
• Once the cabbage and carrots are marinated, wash them 2 to 3 times to get rid of the salt. Drain and squeeze out any extra liquid by hand or with a clean dish towel before putting the cabbage and carrots in a clean glass or ceramic container.
• Mix in the smashed (or chopped) garlic and whole (or chopped) fresh chili peppers. Pour the cooled vinegar/sugar brine over the vegetables and ensure the vegetables are completely submerged. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving chilled or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, leave them stored in the pickling liquid and use clean utensil each time.

CHINESE PICKLED CABBAGE (SZECHUAN STYLE)

Steps:

• Cut the cabbage in pieces roughly 1" X 1 1/2" and separate the leaves.
• (There should be about 8 C).
• Using a 1 to 1 1/2 quart wide-mouth jar, dissolve the salt in the hot water; add the cold water, Szechuan peppercorns and chilies and mix well.
• When cool, add the gin and cabbage.
• Cover and refrigerate 4- 5 days.
• Remove the cabbage from the liquid and serve cold.
• The brine can be used over and over again (keep it refrigerated, of course).
• Add 2 t more salt every time you use it.
• After the first use it only takes about 2- 3 days for the cabbage to pickle.
• You'll need to add more chilies and another tablespoon gin after using the brine twice.
• Other vegetables can be used as well as cabbage.
• Try it with nappa, green beans, lo bok (dai kon in Japanese) or carrots.
• The vegetables can be combined.

PICKLED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Cut the first 2 inches off the top of the cabbage and use for something else.
• Trim away the base of the cabbage and cut the rest into about 2 inch slices. Put into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients; mix well.
• Spoon into a preserving jar, seal and leave for 3 days in a cool place (pantry or refrigerator).
• This is a Thai dish to be used a a side dish with curries.

PICKLED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Place cabbage into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and mix to distribute. Let stand for 20 minutes, mixing with your hands every few minutes.
• Pour out excess salt water from the cabbage. Add vinegar and sugar; mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours.

PICKLED CHINESE CABBAGE

Steps:

• 1. Cut cabbage stems in 1/2- by 2-inch strips. (Save the green leaves for soups or stir-fried dishes.) Let dry out several hours or overnight then place in a large jar. 2. Bring water almost to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in salt to dissolve add Szechwan peppercorns and sherry. Let cool then pour over cabbage. 3. Cover and refrigerate 3 days. Before serving, drain cabbage well and blot with paper toweling. NOTE: To use marinade a second time, reheat and stir in another teaspoon of salt. VARIATIONS: * For the Chinese cabbage, substitute string beans or celery or carrots, cut in strips about 2 inches long. * In step 1, add 1 or 2 whole dried red peppers to the jar. The Thousand Recipe Chinese Cookbook. ©1994 by Gloria Bley Miller.