Quick And Spicy Chinese Cabbage Pickle Food

ASIAN PICKLED CABBAGE RESTAURANT APPETIZER

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, hand-rip the cabbage into large pieces (about 3" x 3" pieces)--they will shrink after pickling. Add in the cut carrots and ¼ cup salt. Use your hands to thoroughly and evenly distribute the salt with the vegetables. Top the vegetables with a heavy object (I used a baking dish with a large, heavy mortar and pestle on top, but you could use foil-wrapped bricks or any other heavy objects), and marinate for an hour in the refrigerator. This process removes excess liquid and makes the vegetables crunchy, but don't marinate for too long or the cabbage will be too salty.
• Next, add the water and sugar (here is where you would add the optional bay leaves and Sichuan peppercorns I mentioned) in a small pot. Bring to boil, and turn off the heat. Stir in the vinegar and ½ teaspoon salt. Let the liquid cool completely. It's a good time to taste the liquid with a clean spoon to make sure you like the levels of sweet and sour, and adjust accordingly. Please use a clean spoon every time you dip into the brine.
• Once the cabbage and carrots are marinated, wash them 2 to 3 times to get rid of the salt. Drain and squeeze out any extra liquid by hand or with a clean dish towel before putting the cabbage and carrots in a clean glass or ceramic container.
• Mix in the smashed (or chopped) garlic and whole (or chopped) fresh chili peppers. Pour the cooled vinegar/sugar brine over the vegetables and ensure the vegetables are completely submerged. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving chilled or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, leave them stored in the pickling liquid and use clean utensil each time.

KOREAN SPICY PICKLED CABBAGE (BAECHU KIMCHI)

Steps:

• Enjoy.

CHINESE PICKLED CABBAGE (SZECHUAN STYLE)

Steps:

• Cut the cabbage in pieces roughly 1" X 1 1/2" and separate the leaves.
• (There should be about 8 C).
• Using a 1 to 1 1/2 quart wide-mouth jar, dissolve the salt in the hot water; add the cold water, Szechuan peppercorns and chilies and mix well.
• When cool, add the gin and cabbage.
• Cover and refrigerate 4- 5 days.
• Remove the cabbage from the liquid and serve cold.
• The brine can be used over and over again (keep it refrigerated, of course).
• Add 2 t more salt every time you use it.
• After the first use it only takes about 2- 3 days for the cabbage to pickle.
• You'll need to add more chilies and another tablespoon gin after using the brine twice.
• Other vegetables can be used as well as cabbage.
• Try it with nappa, green beans, lo bok (dai kon in Japanese) or carrots.
• The vegetables can be combined.

SPICY CURTIDO (PICKLED CABBAGE SLAW)

Steps:

• Thinly slice the 1/2 head of cabbage, 1/2 onion and 1/2 jalapeno. Grate the carrot.
• Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl: 1 cup vinegar, 1.5 cups water, 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt (Kosher or sea salt).
• Add the liquid mixture to the veggies and combine well. Crush the cabbage a bit so that it will fit into the jars.
• Fill two pint-sized Mason jars with the veggies and top with the brine.
• Seal well and let pickle overnight in the fridge.

QUICK-PICKLED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Using a large sharp knife, a mandoline , or a food processor fitted with the slicing disc, slice the cabbage into thin shreds. Set aside.
• Put the water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using.
• Put the shredded red cabbage in a bowl and then pour the hot brine over it.
• Divide the brined cabbage between 2 (1-pint) jars, layering evenly with the garlic slices, coriander seeds, and peppercorns.
• Place the lids on the jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For the best flavor, however, refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours before serving. This recipe can keep in the fridge for about seven days.