Steam Preserved Vegetables (Zha Choy) and Pork

One dish that never fails to comfort me is Steam Preserved Vegetables (Zha Choy) and Pork – it’s salty, savory, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.

Steam Preserved Vegetables Zha Choy (榨菜) and pork is a comfort dish. Cantonese classic made with just a few simple ingredients—zha choy, pork, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Steamed to perfection, it’s a healthy and flavorful meal that comes together in very little time, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and family dinners.

Steam Preserved Vegetables (Zha Choy) and Pork

When the crispness of fall creeps into the air, I always find myself craving the flavors of home. One dish that never fails to comfort me is Steam Preserved Vegetables (Zha Choy) and Pork — a very traditional Cantonese dish that my mom always made for us. It’s salty, savory, crunchy, and deeply satisfying. Best of all, it’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl, especially when paired with white rice, some steamed vegetables, and a warm soup on the side.

What is Zha Choy?

Zha Choy (榨菜) is a type of preserved mustard stem that has a unique salty, crunchy bite. It’s popular in Cantonese kitchens and beyond, often used to add depth of flavor to simple dishes. You can steam it, pan-fry it, or even stuff it — it’s incredibly versatile. For me, steaming it with pork is the most comforting and nostalgic way to enjoy it.

Flavour

The flavour profile is what makes this dish shine. The pork turns tender and juicy as it steams, while the Zha Choy infuses everything with its salty, savoury notes. The preserved vegetable has just the right amount of crunch, creating a contrast that makes every bite exciting. It’s a dish that balances simplicity with bold, comforting flavours.

A Cantonese Family Favourite

This recipe is more than food — it’s family tradition. My mom always made it when autumn rolled in, the days got shorter, and the skies a little grayer. While some families might simmer a stew or roast meat, ours always turned to Zha Choy and pork. It’s a meal that doesn’t need to impress — it just feels like home.

There’s something about cold, rainy days that makes this dish the perfect choice. It’s hearty without being heavy, healthy without being bland, and quick to prepare when you don’t want to overthink dinner. A hot bowl of rice, a bite of pork with zha choy, a sip of soup — that’s comfort.

The Ideal Autumn Meal

Ingredients

• Pork slices (belly, shoulder, or whatever cut you prefer for steaming)

• Zha Choy (preserved mustard stem, rinsed and sliced)
• A splash of soy sauce
• A drizzle of sesame oil

Why We Love This Recipe

It’s everything a family meal should be — simple, healthy, and ridiculously delicious. The combination of tender pork and crunchy preserved vegetables is addictive, and it comes together with minimal fuss. My favourite part? How everyone in the family reaches for a little more rice just to soak up all the flavours.

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy autumn meal, Steam Preserved Vegetables and Pork deserves a spot on your table. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that stay in your heart forever.

Other Recipes You May Also Like

• Hong Kong Hainanese Chicken
• Sticky Honey Garlic Spareribs
• Cha Gio Fried Spring Rolls
• Mapo Tofu

Steam Preserved Vegetables Zha Choy Pork

One dish that never fails to comfort me is Steam Preserved Vegetables (Zha Choy) and Pork — a very traditional Cantonese dish that my mom always made for us. It’s salty, savory, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.

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Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: cantonese

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 300 g pork loin cut into thin strips (like matchsticks)
• 50 g preserved mustard stem (zha choy / 榨菜) finely chopped
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• ½ tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• ½ tsp white pepper

Equipment

• large steamer

Method

 

1. Rinse under cold water to reduce excess saltiness. Pat dry and finely chop.
2. In a bowl, combine pork loin strips with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, water, ginger, and white pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
3. Add chopped zha choy to the pork and mix evenly.
4. Place the mixture into a shallow, heatproof dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks through.

   Steam over high heat for 10–12 minutes, until pork is tender and fully cooked.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier twist.

Notes

Tips for the lean cut:

• Slicing the pork into thin strips helps keep it tender when steamed.
• If you want even more softness, add ½ tsp neutral oil (like canola) to the marinade.
• This lighter version is just as savory and satisfying but much lower in fat than the classic ground pork style.