Pickled bamboo shoots with chili is a favorite side dish for family meals, especially when paired with oily dishes such as braised meat, hot pot, or rice noodles. The tangy, spicy, and crunchy texture of the pickled bamboo shoots not only stimulates the taste buds but is also easy to make at home. Below is a detailed guide on how to make delicious and crispy pickled bamboo shoots with chili.
Ingredients
Fresh bamboo shoots: 500g
Fresh chili: 3-5 pieces (adjust according to spice preference)
Garlic: 3-4 cloves
Rice vinegar or white vinegar: 200ml
Salt: 1 tablespoon
Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Filtered water: 500ml
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Pickled Bamboo Shoots with Chili
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the fresh bamboo shoots
Peel and remove the tough outer layer of the bamboo shoots, then slice them into thin pieces or bite-sized chunks.
Soak the bamboo shoots in a brine solution for about 2 hours to remove any toxins and natural bitterness. Change the water once or twice to ensure the bamboo shoots are thoroughly cleaned.
Step 2: Boil the bamboo shoots
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the bamboo shoots. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then remove and rinse them with clean water. Drain well.
Step 3: Prepare the pickling brine
In a separate pot, boil 500ml of water with 200ml of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt, then let the brine cool down.
Step 4: Add chili and garlic
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Rinse the chilies and leave them whole or slice them, depending on your preference.
Mix the chili and garlic with the drained bamboo shoots.
Step 5: Pickle the bamboo shoots
Pack the bamboo shoots, garlic, and chili into a clean glass jar. Pour the cooled brine over the mixture, ensuring that the bamboo shoots are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place for 3-5 days.
Final Product
After the pickling process, the bamboo shoots will have absorbed the flavors of the brine, achieving a crispy texture and a balanced sweet and sour taste, with a hint of spiciness from the chili and garlic. The pickled bamboo shoots can be stored in the refrigerator and served as a side dish with your main courses, adding a delightful tang to your meals.
Try out this easy recipe and enjoy delicious and healthy homemade pickled bamboo shoots with your family!