A popular condiment and ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cooking. This recipe involves fermenting mustard greens in a brine solution, resulting in a tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Separate the mustard green leaves. Sun-dry the leaves for one day until they wilt slightly, which helps make the pickles yellow and crunchier.
After drying, rinse the mustard greens thoroughly under cold water. Trim off any tough stems and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Drain well.
Quick and simple recipe
Dissolve 60g of salt and 20g of sugar in 1 liter of water (boiled and cooled to about 60°C). Add 3 teaspoons of vinegar to the mixture.
Place the prepared mustard greens in a clean glass jar. Add shallots, green onions, and fresh chili peppers if desired.
Pour the warm brine over the mustard greens, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a bamboo stick or spoon to press the greens down so they are completely covered by the brine.
Place the jar in a cool, ventilated place for 2-3 days. During this time, the mustard greens will ferment and turn yellow, indicating they are sour and ready to enjoy.
Once fermented to your liking, store the pickled mustard greens in the refrigerator. They can be kept for several weeks.
Best recipe
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the mustard greens and blanch them for about 1-2 minutes until they are just wilted. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine 2 liters of water, 50g of salt, and 200g of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Place the blanched mustard greens into a clean, sterilized glass jar or container. Add the sliced shallots and chili peppers on top. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the mustard greens, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature for about 3 days. The greens will turn yellow and absorb the flavors, developing a crunchy texture with a tangy, salty taste and a mild fragrance from the shallots.
Notes
Use the right amount of salt and sugar, as too little salt will hinder fermentation, while too much salt or sugar can make the pickles overly salty or sweet.
Using warm water for the brine can accelerate the fermentation process, and sun-drying the jar can further speed things up.
To prevent white foam from forming during fermentation, sterilize the jar with boiling water and dry it completely.
Always use clean utensils to remove the pickles to avoid contamination and foam formation.
Store the pickles in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation; they can keep for several weeks.