What is Sui Mi Ya Cai?
Sui mi ya cai, sometimes known simply as ya cai, is a Chinese pickle that is particularly popular in the Sichuan (Szechuan) province, from where it originated. Sichuan is known for its spicy local cuisine; many feel that it has the spiciest recipes in all of China!
Sui mi ya cai translates into “preserved mustard green.” These preserved vegetables are a staple in Sichuan’s kitchens and can be found in grocery stores across the province.
Buying Guide
Before investing in a pack of preserved mustard green, keep an eye out for the following:
- Check for an expiry date; many manufacturers will not print a best before date because it qualifies as a fermented product. However, it is best to choose a product that comes with a best before, so you know exactly how safe it is to eat at any point in time.
- Go over the vegetable mix offered by the product; despite being labeled “preserved mustard greens,” many products will contain other elements, too, like cabbage or kale. Decide whether or not you would like these additional ingredients in your mix of ya cai, and select a product accordingly.
Buying Sui Mi Ya CaiOnline
If you live outside of China, particularly in the United States, finding sui mi ya cai is going to be harder than it would be if you were a Sichuan local. Luckily, there are many online options from where you can purchase your sui mi ya cai:
Yi Bin Sui Mi Ya Cai by Sichuan Yibin Suimi Yacai Co. Ltd.
This version of sui mi ya cai is fantastic for several reasons. Firstly, it bears a remarkable taste that is in-line with the traditional flavor curated in China. Secondly, this package contains 8.1 ounces of the product; one packet is enough to make many dishes.
This product is a mix of preserved mustard greens, kale, and cabbage. Before packing them into their high-quality, air-tight, hygienic package, the preserved vegetables are cleaned and semi-dried. This product is perfect for any recipe that requires preserved mustard greens; thanks to its authentic taste, it can transform any dish into a traditional Sichuan meal.
Sichuan Zha Cai by Fortuna
Strictly speaking, zha cai is not the same as sui mi ya cai. They are similar, but sui mi ya cai has a more delicate texture and less of a bite, while the taste of zha cai is slightly more overwhelming. However, when you can’t find sui mi ya cai, you can replace it with zha cai, and it goes just fine. This product contains three packets of 3.5 ounces of preserved mustard stems each; their flavor is hot and spicy, instead of sour and tangy. Regardless, they are delicious and can be incorporated into many traditional Chinese recipes.
This product is perfect for many Sichuan recipes, including Dan Dan noodles, ground beef stir fry, and vegetable fried rice. It maintains an authentic taste and can be used for up to two months after opening is stored in a cool, dry environment.
Wujiang Zhacai by China Good Food
This product by China Good Food offers a healthy mix of a variety of preserved vegetables, including mustard stems. Unlike most other products on the market, this version provides shredded mustard stems, which are easier to use when cooking than their raw, non-shredded counterparts. This preserved vegetable mix flaunts authentic Sichuan flavors and can help lace any dish with a traditional Chinese character.
Recipe: Sichuan Dry Fried Green Beans
Sichuan dry-fried green beans, also known as Gan Bian Si Ji Dou, are a traditional Chinese dish that can be enjoyed as a main with rice or as a side dish, too. It was one of the first dishes I tried on my visit to Sichuan, and, I have to say, the flavor was unforgettable!
My friends and family are all massive fans of this dish; whenever I have guests over, they insist I whip up some Sichuan dry-fried green beans for the event.
Gan Bian Si JI Dou is remarkably easy to cook, and makes for a healthy addition to the dinner table. The recipe calls for preserved mustard greens, which you can purchase using any of the links stated above.
Sichuan Dry Fried Green Beans (Gan Bian Si Ji Dou)
Serves: 2 (main dish), or 4 (side dish)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Stir Fry:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 pound green beans
- 0.5-pound ground pork (optional)
- 3 tbsp preserved mustard greens
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp whole Sichuan peppercorn
- 3 dried chili peppers
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Steps:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in small bowl
- Add green beans to heated vegetable oil in a large skillet, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or till brown; remove beans from the pan and set aside once cooked
- Add Sichuan peppercorns to pan and cook till dark; set aside once done
- Add ground pork (optional), Sichuan preserved mustard greens, and salt to taste into the skillet; once the pork turns golden brown, add dried chili pepper, garlic, and ginger and stir.
- Add in cooked green beans and pour the sauce over them into the skillet, stir for 2 minutes, or till sauce is absorbed
- Remove skillet from stove and taste; if the salt is not enough, add in another pinch and stir-fry for 30 seconds
- Make sure all elements of the dish are mixed well together before plating
- Serve with hot, white rice as a main dish, or plate separately to serve as a side
Enjoy your preserved mustard green with this simple dish and bring home all the goodness of traditional Sichuan cuisine to share with your friends and family!
References:
https://www.kitchenchick.com/2007/03/pickled_mustard.html
https://omnivorescookbook.com/sui-mi-ya-cai/
https://omnivorescookbook.com/szechuan-dry-fried-green-beans/ (recipe)
