Spring Bamboo Shoots Preparation and Cooking

Cooking StepsHow to cook Spring Bamboo Shoots Preparation and Cooking step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1

   Tianmu Mountain thunder bamboo shoots, also called spring bamboo shoots — just different names. The earlier in the season, the better the quality: fresh, tender, delicious, fragrant, with a hint of sweetness. A 2.5kg order yields about 1kg after peeling and trimming the roots.

2. 
   Step 2

   Process the shoots as soon as you receive them. Make a lengthwise cut from root to tip, pressing harder toward the top where the husk is thicker.

3. 
   Step 3

   Peel back along the cut and the layers of husk come off easily by hand.

4. 
   Step 4

   White and plump underneath.

5. 
   Step 5

   Trim off the tough root end. If you can cut through easily with a knife, it’s tender; if it resists, it’s woody. Each shoot varies, so test by cutting to feel the difference.

6. 
   Step 6

   Cut off the tough roots and rinse. Since the shoots are tightly layered inside, a quick rinse is enough — they’re very clean.

7. 
   Step 7

   Cut in half — they look like little pagodas, quite beautiful. The closer the nodes, the more tender the shoot.

8. 
   Step 8

   Bring water to a boil and add 2 small spoons of salt. Add the shoots, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove and let cool. Portion into bags based on how much you’ll eat at a time — I divided mine into 4 bags. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

9. 
   Step 9

   Braised bamboo shoots: Heat oil, add sugar and cook over low heat until melted. Add the shoots and coat with the caramel. Add 2 ladles of water and braise over high heat for about 5 minutes. Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a little salt (use sparingly or skip — the oyster sauce and soy sauce are already salty). Continue stir-frying until the sauce is almost fully reduced, then plate.

10. 
    Step 10

    Cold salad: sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and salt. The simplest seasonings best preserve the natural freshness of the ingredient.

11. 
    Step 11

    Mixing with cucumber is also nice. There are many other ways to enjoy them — hot pot, soups, etc. When freshly boiled, a sprinkle of salt alone tastes wonderful. In short, spring bamboo shoots are delicious no matter how you prepare them.