Authentic Cold Fish Mint (Zhe'ergen) Salad
正宗凉拌折耳根 · sichuan cuisine · Sichuan
Zhe'ergen, the young rhizome of the fish mint plant (Houttuynia cordata), is a beloved cold-dish ingredient in southwestern China, especially Sichuan and Guizhou. Eaten raw, it has a distinctive sharp, slightly fishy bite that chilling mellows. The author's playful subtitle translates to 'Day who-knows-what of being determined to fatten up my girlfriend.'
Tasha GreenleafVegan baker converting skeptics one chickpea brownie at a time. Allergic to boring vegetables. Aquafaba evangelist, sorry in advance.Nutrition & allergens
Contains:SesameSoyWheat
Some ingredients are not yet allergen-surveyed; this label is not exhaustive.
Per serving (2 servings)
- Energy (kcal)
- Unknown
- Protein (g)
- Unknown
- Fat (g)
- Unknown
- 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.
fish mint leaves (houttuynia leaves)折耳根叶子
17.64 oz — rinsed and pinched into short sections
cilantro香菜
6.0 stalk — cut into sections, roots reserved
scallion葱花
as needed — cut into sections
as needed — minced
20.0 piece — cut into sections
2.4 oz
0.85 oz
hong la jiao you红辣椒油
2.96 oz
Blending sesame oil调合芝麻油
0.92 oz
0.46 oz
0.71 oz
salt盐
1.27 oz
Techniques you'll use
- Aromatic blooming (bao xiang) ↗
Bloom ginger, garlic, and chili in hot oil to build the aroma base.
- Cold dressing (liang ban) ↗
Toss cooked or raw ingredients with a bold chilled dressing.
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Rinse the zhe'ergen thoroughly and pinch it into bite-sized sections by hand.
✅ Done when: The roots are clean and broken into short, even segments with no dirt remaining.
- 2
Step 2
Cut the bird's eye chilies, scallions, and cilantro into sections — keep the cilantro roots, as they add great flavor — and mince the ginger and garlic.
✅ Done when: All aromatics are cut into sections or finely minced and ready to use.
Briefly pass the minced garlic, minced ginger, and bird's eye chilies through hot oil to release their aroma.
✅ Done when: The aromatics are fragrant after a quick contact with the hot oil.
Make the dressing: 4 spoonfuls of white vinegar, 2 spoonfuls of light soy sauce, 3 spoonfuls of chili oil, 1 spoonful of sesame oil, 1/2 spoonful of fragrant sesame oil, 1 spoonful of salt, 1 spoonful of chicken bouillon powder, and 1 spoonful of sugar. Using everything makes it more fragrant; adjust to taste.
✅ Done when: The salt and sugar have fully dissolved into a uniform dressing.
- 5
Step 5
Pour everything into a large bowl for easy mixing.
✅ Done when: All ingredients and dressing are combined in a single large mixing bowl.
- 6
Step 6120 min
Off heat
Put on disposable gloves and toss until evenly combined, then refrigerate for 2 hours. Chilling greatly improves the flavor — otherwise the zhe'ergen is too pungent and sharply spicy. Note: if you skip the gloves, do not mix with bare hands.
✅ Done when: The salad is evenly coated and has chilled in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, mellowing its bite.
Serve the chilled salad straight from the refrigerator and enjoy.
✅ Done when: The salad is cold, well-tossed, and ready to eat.