‘Zha Cai’ is Chinese pickled knobby stems of mustard plant. It is fermented just like Korean Kimchi. ‘Zha Cai’ is called ‘Zāsai ‘ in Japan and it is popular. You can make this ‘Mock Zha Cai’ with Broccoli stems. It tastes similar to ‘Zha Cai’ and it is great for drinking!

Makes

1 Serving

Ingredients

1 to 2 Broccoli Stems *about 60g

1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/4 teaspoon Rā-yu (Chilli Oil)
1/4 teaspoon Rice Vinegar
Toasted Sesame Seeds *optional
Chilli Garlic Sauce *optional

Method
  1. Combine Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Rā-yu (Chilli Oil) and Rice Vinegar in a small bowl.
  2. Remove the tough outer parts from Broccoli stem(s), and thinly slice.
  3. Cook Broccoli Stem slices in the boiling water for 15 to 20 seconds, drain well, then add to the marinade. Combine well and set aside for 30 minutes or longer.
  4. Sprinkle with Toasted Sesame Seeds (*optional) and enjoy.
  5. For the photo below, I added 1/2 teaspoon Chilli Garlic Sauce.