- Course: Side Dish
- Skill Level: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Favorited: 8 Times
Can be made ahead of time.
This is a famous pickle from northern China. The spiced Napa cabbage is soured naturally at room temperature; it will continue to sour slowly in the refrigerator and is best eaten within a few days.
1. Cut Napa cabbage into sixths, core and slice across each section into 2-inch (5 cm) wide sections; mix well with salt. Cover; set aside at room temperature for 1 day in warm weather or 2 in cooler weather (taste after 1 day to see if the cabbage has soured). Rinse lightly under cold running water; drain, squeezing out excess moisture. Set aside.
2. In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant and slightly darkened. Toast chilies until fragrant and slightly darker in color. Stir together cabbage, Szechuan peppercorns, chilies, ginger and garlic (if using), pressing with your hands to extract liquid from cabbage and to break up the chilies. Cover; refrigerate 1 day before serving.
Szechuan peppercorns are essential for this recipe; they are available at all Chinese (and some Asian) grocers or, occasionally, in the spice sections of supermarkets.