TSOI SIM

Photo Credit: Thadah Wah

This delicious, tender green is also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, yu choy,  choy sum, or bok choy sum. The greens are closely related to bok choy, but tsoi sim is distinguished by its narrow stems, long leaves, and flowers (usually yellow). TTCF farmers call this sweet mustard because of the mildly sweet, mustardy flavor of the flowers. The stems and leaves are slightly bitter in flavor, and all parts of the plant are edible. Tsoi sim is high in vitamins A and C, and is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron

Tsoi sim is best used in stir fries, braises, soups, stews, or steamed. It can be cooked with soy sauce, simple spices, or broth to enhance its flavor. Like other Asian greens, it can be chopped up, crunchy stems and all, and cooked, sautéed, or stir-fried. It is tasty with garlic, ginger, and chilies in a stir-fry, curried with coconut, or cooked in broth. If you'd rather not go in an Asian direction, then just pretend they're raab or spinach and make this green panini or this go-to pasta with greens and garlic. 

STORAGE: Store tsoi sim in an open bag in your refrigerator for several days or up to one week. 

Ginger Soy Yu Choy from Kitchen Operas

INGREDIENTS:
2 tsp. sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1” nub of ginger, grated or microplaned
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
2 tsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
1/2 pound Yu Choy (or other dark, leafy greens)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut the Yu Choy greens into 2′′ chunks, and keep thick stems in a separate pile.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add rice wine vinegar and tamari.
3. Add thick stems of the Yu Choy to the pan and stir-fry for a minute, until the stems begin to soften. Add the leaves and thinner stems, and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the greens are tender, bright green and munchable!
4. Remove from heat, and serve right away.

Super delicious when topped with your favorite chili garlic sauce!