Cold-Tossed Fish Mint (Zhe Er Gen)
上瘾！【凉拌折耳根】最完美配方！ · pan chinese cuisine
The author grew up eating zhe er gen; in their hometown, restaurants large and small typically serve a small bowl of this cold salad before the meal. After trying many versions, the author claims this recipe beats them all — they meant to take just one bite and ended up finishing half the bowl within minutes.
Hector NunezThird-generation taquero turned home cook. Nixtamal from scratch changed my life. Happy to talk tortilla technique with anyone who'll listen.Nutrition & allergens
Contains:SoyWheat
Some ingredients are not yet allergen-surveyed; this label is not exhaustive.
Per serving (4 servings)
- Energy (kcal)
- Unknown
- Protein (g)
- Unknown
- Fat (g)
- 1.6(Main ingredients only; seasoning not counted)
- Carbs (g)
- Unknown
- Sodium (mg)
- Unknown
Estimated from verified ingredient data for the original formula — not lab values, and one dish is not a full meal.
yu xing cao （ ye ）［ ji cai ， chou cai ］鱼腥草（叶）［蕺菜，臭菜］
1.0 box
salt盐
0.42 oz
0.6 oz
0.53 oz
Blending sesame oil调合芝麻油
0.23 oz
cilantro香菜
4.0 stalk
Chili flakes辣椒面
as needed
8.0 piece
Techniques you'll use
- Marinating ↗
Season protein ahead with soy, wine, and starch for flavor and texture.
- Cold dressing (liang ban) ↗
Toss cooked or raw ingredients with a bold chilled dressing.
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Note on measuring spoons: the ratio of seasonings matters here — the light soy sauce and black vinegar are exactly 1:1 using the tablespoon shown. The teaspoon is used only for salt: the first spoonful is scooped heaping, then shaken slightly so it levels off a bit; the second spoonful is less full. Don't add too much salt at once — if it's too light you can add more, but an oversalted salad is hard to fix.
✅ Done when: You have both a level-teaspoon salt measure and a tablespoon measure ready before mixing.
- 2
Step 2
Rinse the fresh fish mint well, cut it into sections, and place it in a large bowl.
✅ Done when: The fish mint is clean, cut into shorter sections, and gathered in a large mixing bowl.
Add the salt and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
✅ Done when: About 15 minutes have passed and the fish mint has softened slightly from the salt.
- 4
Step 4
Prepare the bird's eye chilies, minced garlic, and cilantro.
✅ Done when: Chilies, minced garlic, and cilantro are all prepped and set out ready to use.
Combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly, tossing for a good while so everything is evenly coated.
✅ Done when: Every piece of fish mint is evenly coated with the dressing, with no pooled seasoning at the bottom of the bowl.
- 6
Step 610 min
After marinating for 10 minutes it is ready to eat, or you can refrigerate it and eat it the next day for deeper flavor.
✅ Done when: After 10 minutes of marinating the salad is seasoned through and ready to serve.