condiment1 recipes
sui mi ya cai.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeFermented
SERVING
CALORIES
95
PROTEIN
3.5g
CARBS
15.2g
FAT
1.5g
FIBER
4.1g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories95kcal—
Protein3.5g7%
Carbohydrates15.2g6%
Fiber4.1g15%
Sugar3.0g6%
Total fat1.5g2%
Saturated fat0.20g1%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water72.5g—
MINERALS
Sodium3500mg152%
Potassium310mg7%
Calcium155mg12%
Iron2.7mg15%
Magnesium40mg10%
Phosphorus70mg6%
Zinc0.60mg5%
Copper0.10mg11%
Manganese0.40mg17%
Selenium1.5µg3%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A150µg17%
Vitamin C5.0mg6%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0.80mg5%
Vitamin K120µg100%
Thiamin (B1)0.08mg7%
Riboflavin (B2)0.10mg8%
Niacin (B3)0.70mg4%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.20mg4%
Vitamin B60.15mg9%
Folate (B9)40µg10%
Vitamin B120µg0%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup160g
1 tablespoon18g
1 teaspoon6g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓As a fermented food, it can contain probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
- ✓Adds a deep, savory umami flavor to dishes, allowing for complex taste profiles without adding significant fat or calories.
- ✓Derived from mustard greens, which are a source of vitamins and minerals, though nutrient levels are altered by the preservation process.
- ✓Its intense flavor means a small amount is needed, helping to control overall portion size of the seasoning.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Due to its high salt content, it's often recommended to briefly rinse or soak the vegetable before cooking to reduce sodium.
- 2Finely chop and stir-fry it with aromatics at the beginning of the cooking process to release its pungent, savory flavor.
- 3Use it as a key flavoring ingredient in classic Sichuan dishes like Dan Dan Noodles and Dry-Fried Green Beans (Gan Bian Si Ji Dou).
- 4A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount (e.g., a tablespoon) and add more to taste, as its flavor is very concentrated.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store unopened packages in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight.
- After opening, transfer the preserved vegetable to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for several months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is sui mi ya cai healthy?
Sui mi ya cai is a fermented food that can support gut health through probiotics. While it is low in calories and fat, it is typically high in sodium due to the preservation process, so it should be used as a seasoning rather than a main vegetable.
What is the nutritional profile of sui mi ya cai?
Per 100g, it contains approximately 95 calories, 3.5g of protein, 15.2g of carbohydrates, and 1.5g of fat. Because it is highly concentrated, a typical serving size is much smaller, making it a low-calorie way to add intense flavor to meals.
Is sui mi ya cai vegan and gluten-free?
Sui mi ya cai is naturally vegan as it is made from mustard greens. While usually gluten-free, some brands may use soy sauce or additives containing wheat during the curing process, so those with celiac disease should check the label carefully.
What does sui mi ya cai taste like?
It has a complex, savory, and salty flavor profile with deep umami notes and a slightly sweet, smoky undertone. Its texture is finely minced and slightly crunchy, which adds a unique mouthfeel to stir-fries and noodle dishes.
How do you use sui mi ya cai in cooking?
It is a staple in Sichuan cuisine, most famously used in Dan Dan noodles and dry-fried green beans. It is typically stir-fried with aromatics like garlic and ginger at the beginning of a recipe to release its fragrance and distribute its savory flavor.
Do I need to wash sui mi ya cai before using it?
Generally, you do not need to wash it as it is already finely minced and ready to use. However, if you are sensitive to salt, you can give it a very quick rinse in a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze it dry before adding it to your pan.
How should I store sui mi ya cai and how long does it last?
Unopened packages can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for months. Once opened, transfer the contents to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 3-6 months due to its high salt content.
Can diabetics eat sui mi ya cai?
Yes, it is relatively low in carbohydrates (15.2g per 100g) and has a low glycemic impact when used in standard seasoning amounts. However, diabetics should be mindful of the sodium content, which can affect blood pressure.
What can I use as a substitute for sui mi ya cai?
The best substitute is Zha Cai (Sichuan pickled mustard tuber) finely minced. If that is unavailable, you can use Tianjin preserved vegetable (Dong Cai) or, in a pinch, finely chopped capers or olives to mimic the salty, fermented punch.
Is sui mi ya cai keto-friendly?
Yes, it is keto-friendly when used as a condiment. Since most recipes only call for 1-2 tablespoons, the net carb count per serving is negligible, making it an excellent way to add flavor to low-carb stir-fries.
RECIPES
Cook with sui mi ya cai.
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