Chinese leek blossom dip is a condiment made from the long stem and bulb-shaped flower of the Chinese leek flower. It has a garlicky flavor and can be served with a variety of foods, but should be added to dishes with caution. The plant grows well in containers and small spaces, and can also be used as borders for vegetable beds. To make the dip, finely chop or grind the leek blossoms and serve as a condiment on the side. Fresh leek flower sauce has a clean, clear flavor and is best when obtained fresh. Preserved sauce can become more sour and tart.
Leek blossom dip is a Chinese condiment made from Chinese leek blossom, a vegetable in the onion family. Leek flower sauce has a distinct garlicky flavor with a hint of chives and sometimes an oaky, vinegar-like flavor depending on the ingredients used. It can be served with a wide assortment of foods or added to dishes such as french fries as they cook, although leek flower sauce doesn’t always play well with other flavors, so it should be added to dishes with caution.
The Chinese leek flower produces a distinctive long stem punctuated by a bulb-shaped flower. In Chinese cuisine, both the stem and the bulb are used. Chinese leek flowers grow well in containers and small spaces and can also be used as borders for vegetable beds. Sometimes seeds and starters can be found at gardening suppliers or through import companies that specialize in Asian vegetables.
These plants do best in temperate zones and should be trimmed regularly to remove the stems and bulbs before the plant bolts to seed. In regions where Chinese leek flowers cannot grow, Asian markets sometimes stock the plant in pre-cut bundles. There are a variety of uses for Chinese leek flower, imparting a strong flavor to foods in which it is used; leek flower sauce is one example. Ideally, stems and bulbs are used in the leek flower sauce.
To make Chinese leek blossom dip, cook finely chopped or ground leek blossoms to release their chive-like flavor. The sauce is often served as a condiment on the side and can be accompanied by an assortment of other sauces for diners to choose from. Leek flower sauce is a popular accompaniment to hot pot, and many hot pot restaurants bring out a small dish of this green, tangy sauce. It can also be spooned with fresh fresh rice.
Fresh leek flower sauce has a clean, clear flavor and is best when it can be obtained. Some Chinese markets may also carry leek flower sauce preserved in jars or bottles. Preserved sauce can become more sour and tart, and you may need to experiment with different styles before you find one you like. Because leek flower sauce has such a strong flavor, people should be careful when pairing it with other sauces and condiments. Chili oil and leek flower salsa, for example, go quite well together, while a hoisin salsa concoction might not be very pleasant.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN