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Northeastern Chinese Dipping Sauce Vegetables (Dongbei Zhan Jiang Cai)

 Zhan Jiang Cai is a beloved cold dish from Northeast China (Dongbei), often served in the summer or as an appetizer. The name literally means "vegetables dipped in sauce." It features a colorful assortment of fresh, crisp raw or lightly blanched vegetables served with a rich, umami-packed fermented soybean dipping sauce. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and surprisingly addictive.



Ingredients

 For the Vegetables (customizable):

  • Cucumbers (sliced into sticks)

  • Carrots (peeled and sliced)

  • Celery (cut into sticks)

  • Green beans (blanched)

  • Lettuce or cabbage leaves

  • Radishes

  • Boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes (optional)

  • Fresh garlic leaves or chives (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons fermented soybean paste ( Korean doenjang is a decent substitute)

  • 1 tablespoon sweet bean paste (optional for balance)

  • 1–2 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (preferably soybean or vegetable oil)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the saltiness)

  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (for aroma)

  • A few tablespoons of water (to adjust thickness)

  • Optional: Chopped scallions, chili oil, or crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.

  2. Peel and slice cucumbers, carrots, and radishes into finger-sized sticks.

  3. Blanch tougher vegetables like green beans and celery briefly in boiling water, then cool them in cold water to retain crispness.

  4. Arrange the vegetables neatly on a large platter.

Step 2: Make the Dipping Sauce

  1. In a small pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.

  2. Add the fermented soybean paste (and sweet bean paste if using). Stir-fry until the sauce becomes fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

  4. Add sugar and a few tablespoons of water to create a smooth, dip-like consistency.

  5. Turn off the heat. Drizzle in a little sesame oil and stir.

  6. Pour into a dipping bowl. Optionally top with scallions, chili oil, or crushed peanuts.

Step 3: Serve

  • Place the dipping sauce in the center of the vegetable platter.

  • Dip and enjoy! Each vegetable delivers a different texture and flavor, perfectly matched by the savory, umami-laden sauce.

Tips:

  • The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.

  • Adjust the saltiness with sugar and water to suit your taste.

  • Some households in Dongbei even add a little vinegar or garlic water to thin the sauce.

Why It’s Loved

Zhan Jiang Cai represents the rustic charm and practical ingenuity of Northeastern Chinese home cooking. It’s healthy, easy to make, and full of traditional flavor—bringing a bite of Chinese countryside to any table.

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