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Healthy pickled mustard greens

Pickled Mustard Greens

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.
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Cook Time 25 minutes
Fermentation time 3 days
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese
Servings 5

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
  

Quick recipe

  • 1 kg mustard greens
  • 60 g salt
  • 20 g sugar
  • 5 bulbs shallots peeled and cut
  • 100 g green onions
  • 5 pieces chili peppers
  • 3 tsp vinegar

Best recipe

  • 1 kg mustard greens
  • 50 g salt
  • 200 g sugar
  • 5 bulbs shallots peeled and cut
  • 10 pieces chili peppers

Instructions
 

  • 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.
Keyword Asian, homemade pickles, japanese, pickled mustard greens
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