A Detailed Guide to Chinese Cold Mixed Fish Mint Salad (Liangban Yuxingcao)

A Detailed Guide to Chinese Cold Mixed Fish Mint Salad (Liangban Yuxingcao)

Introduction
Yuxingcao , also known as fish mint or houttuynia cordata, is a traditional Chinese herb widely used in Southwest China, especially in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan. It has a distinctive earthy and slightly fishy aroma that some people love and others need time to appreciate. When prepared as a cold salad, it becomes refreshing, crunchy, and aromatic—perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or pairing with spicy meals.

This recipe captures the authentic Southwestern Chinese style: bright, sour, spicy, and full of herbal fragrance.

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Ingredients

• 150 g fresh fish mint (roots and leaves), cleaned

• 1–2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar

• 1–2 teaspoons chili oil (to taste)

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Optional: roasted peanuts for topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Mint

1. Rinse the fish mint thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and sand.

2. Trim off the rough ends of the roots.

3. Cut the roots into thin strips and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

4. Place them in a bowl and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

1. Slice the fresh chilies thinly.

2. Mince the garlic finely.

3. If using cilantro, chop it into small pieces.

Add these directly into the bowl with the fish mint.

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Light soy sauce

• Chinese black vinegar

• Chili oil

• Sugar

• Salt

• Sesame oil

Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.

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Step 4: Mix the Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the fish mint.

2. Toss gently with chopsticks or a fork until evenly coated.

3. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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Step 5: Serve

Transfer the salad to a plate and, if desired, sprinkle a handful of roasted peanuts on top for crunch.

It can be served as a refreshing side dish with rice, grilled meats, or spicy Yunnan and Sichuan meals.

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Tips

• Freshness matters: The fresher the fish mint, the crisper and more aromatic it will be.

• Adjust the flavor: Add more vinegar for a tangier taste or more chili oil for extra heat.

• Optional add-ins: Sliced onions or cucumber can add extra crispness.

• For newcomers: If you’re not used to fish mint’s strong aroma, start with a smaller amount or mix it with shredded lettuce.