DIY: Cook Up Delectable Crispy Xá B?u (Pickled Radish) at Home

Xá b?u – an unfamiliar name to many, but a must-try specialty when visiting Bac Lieu. So, what is xá b?u and why is it so famous? Let’s explore the answers in this article!

1 What is xá b?u?

Xá b?u

Xá b?u is a type of salted radish that originated from the Teochew people. It was introduced to Vietnam during cultural exchanges and migration to the Southern region, and has since become a famous specialty in Bac Lieu. Xá b?u is a mispronunciation of “chái p?u” in Teochew.

To make xá b?u, white radish is dried, peeled, and mixed with salt and sugar. After fermentation, it turns into a dark brown, slightly dry, and chewy delicacy. Xá b?u is commonly enjoyed with white porridge, rice, sticky rice cakes, or used as an ingredient in various dishes like stir-fried xá b?u and soups.

2 How to make crispy and delicious xá b?u

Ingredients for making xá b?u

• 3kg of white radish
• 1.2kg of salt

Instructions for making xá b?u

Step 1 Prepare the white radish

So ch? c? c?i tr?ng

Thoroughly wash and drain the white radish. Choose long and firm radishes that feel heavy in your hand for better taste.

Step 2 Salt marinade

U?p mu?i c? c?i tr?ng

In a large basin, sprinkle a layer of salt on the bottom and arrange the radishes on top. Repeat the layering process until all the radishes and salt are used. Cover the basin tightly with a lid and let the radishes marinate overnight.

Note: Do not discard the liquid released by the salt.

Step 3 Drying

Phoi khô c? c?i

Place the radishes on a tray and dry them in the sun for a day. After drying, allow the radishes to marinate in the saltwater for another night. Repeat the cycle of drying and marinating for 7-8 days. To enhance the flavor and color, transfer the radishes to a glass jar, seal it tightly, and let it mature for another 7 days.

Finished product

Xá b?u

After a total of 7 days of fermentation, the radishes in the glass jar will turn into delicious and chewy salted radishes. They can be used in various dishes such as sweet and sour mixed radishes, soups, and more.

3 How to store xá b?u

B?o qu?n xá b?u

Xá b?u can be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to maintain its quality for a long time. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator and take out the desired amount when needed.

Xá b?u, meaning salted radish, originated from the Teochew people. It is a popular dish among areas with a large Chinese population, especially in Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, and more.

4Tips to reduce the saltiness of salted radish

Use diluted saltwater

To reduce the saltiness of salted radish, you can soak it in diluted saltwater and rinse it with clean water. This method helps to remove excess salt while preserving the original flavor of the radish.

Dùng nu?c mu?i pha loãng

Use rice washing water

Soaking the salted radish in rice washing water for 30 minutes before rinsing it with clean water and draining works effectively in reducing the saltiness.

Dùng nu?c vo g?o

Use diluted lemon juice

By soaking the salted radish in diluted lemon juice (1 cup of water mixed with 1/2 lemon), the sour taste of the lemon will help balance the saltiness of the radish.

Dùng nu?c chanh pha loãng

Excited yet? This unique and tempting dish will surely impress you. Why wait? Head to the kitchen and prepare xá b?u for your family now. Good luck!