10 Staple Chinese Vegetables

When it comes to the produce used in Chinese cuisine , we often find that the vegetables used are quite different from that which we can find in Western supermarkets. In fact, if you don’t go looking in a specialist Chinese supermarket or section of a store, then you may not be able to find many of these items at all.

Despite this, many of these ingredients are key to creating an authentic Chinese meal. While we have explored some of the more specific vegetables that you can use in Southeast Asian cuisine, such as our guide to green vegetables , this guide will give a broader overview of the absolute essential veg ingredients needed for cooking Chinese dishes.

Lotus Root

A vegetable that adds an interesting appearance to your plate, the lotus root is cut into slices which display a number of holes running through it. They can be fried to make a crispy snack or softened in soups and stews.

Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are a key ingredient in many Chinese recipes. There are actually two different types of bean sprouts that you can get: soybean sprouts and mung bean sprouts.Soybean sprouts are a bean sprout that features a yellow head the size of a small bean on the end, whereas mung bean sprouts have a much smaller head, about the size of a grain of barley. Bean sprouts are often added to noodle dishes and stir fries. You can find them fresh in Chinese supermarkets , in tins, or you can even grow your own from mung beans!

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are, as the name suggests, the shoots of the bamboo plant that develop before they turn into a full-grown green stalk of bamboo. ¬¬-Bamboo shoots are very seasonal, as they can only be found when bamboo starts growing. Therefore, fresh bamboo shoots are typically found during late winter and early spring. Bamboo shoots can be braised and enjoyed whole, or sliced and sampled within stir fry dishes, for example. Outside of Asia, it can be difficult to find fresh bamboo shoots, but you are likely to find whole shoots frozen, or sliced bamboo shoots in tins.

Water Chestnuts

Water chestnuts are commonly added to stir fry dishes, and like bamboo shoots, can often be found tinned in supermarkets in the UK. They are crunchy and have a slightly nutty taste.

Edamame

Edamame, or soybeans, are commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer in southeast Asia, as well as being used to sprinkle atop stir fry dishes. Edamame are often boiled and then served simply. The pod of the beans is actually inedible, so you should pop the beans out and discard the pod, but they will typically be served within this shell.

Snow Peas

Snow peas are a staple vegetable for stir fries, and this type of pea is usually preferred over the likes of snap peas, as the snow pea is smaller and can be eaten whole!

Chinese Aubergine

When buying aubergine in China, you will find that the vegetable is much longer and thinner than the variety you would commonly see in Western supermarkets. They are typically a lot more tender than a Western aubergine and become softer when cooked. Aubergine is used in several different dishes, including stuffed aubergine, which can often be found on dim sum menus.

Chinese Radish

Known as both radish or turnip, and called Daikon in Japan, this vegetable is long and white, with a cylindrical shape. This vegetable can be eaten both raw and cooked, offering very different results. When consumed raw, you’ll experience spicy notes in its flavour, but when cooked, it becomes far milder.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms can be found both fresh and dried and are often used in Chinese cuisine. Fresh mushrooms will typically be more expensive, and so may be reserved for special occasions.Dry shiitake mushrooms also have a more intense flavour and aroma. Therefore, dried mushrooms may be called for in a dish over fresh mushrooms to ensure that the meal is packed with flavour.

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are long and white, with a small cap. They offer more of a crisp texture than most mushrooms and are commonly used in stir fries and soups. They have a much milder flavour than shiitake mushrooms, so can be used in a wider variety of dishes. Which of these ingredients is your favourite in Chinese dishes? If you need ingredients and cooking supplies to create your very own Chinese feast, then check out the range we have available here at Oriental Mart!