At the table
Spoon small amounts over plain rice and mix as you eat. It is a strongly flavored accompaniment, so start with a little.
This version contains pork. Soy sauce may contain soy and wheat, and cooking wine may be used. Other versions can include egg or animal fat even when they look mostly like vegetables. Confirm the ingredients and cooking fat for dietary needs.
The vegetable mix and heat vary. Some versions include preserved cabbage or long-bean pods; others add egg, pork or lard. A vegetable-only version cooked in plant oil is possible, but the name alone does not establish that it is vegetarian or vegan.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The vegetable mix and heat vary. Some versions include preserved cabbage or long-bean pods; others add egg, pork or lard. A vegetable-only version cooked in plant oil is possible, but the name alone does not establish that it is vegetarian or vegan.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Salty-savory preserved vegetables, garlic and chilli, with a slight tang that varies with the vegetable mixture.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Chewy little vegetable pieces with some crunch, soft pork and a light coating of cooking juices.
- How it’s made
- Soak and rinse the dried vegetables, drain and chop them. Stir-fry garlic, chillies and diced pork, add the vegetables and seasoning, then cook with a little water until the moisture mostly reduces.
The vegetable mix and heat vary. Some versions include preserved cabbage or long-bean pods; others add egg, pork or lard. A vegetable-only version cooked in plant oil is possible, but the name alone does not establish that it is vegetarian or vegan.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hunan.
About this regional connection
Hunan: Xiangxi in western Hunan; selected pork variation, not a universal recipe.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有湘西外婆菜吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Preserved vegetables for the rice bowl
Associated with Xiangxi in western Hunan, waipocai brings dried and preserved vegetables back to the table as a chopped, seasoned rice accompaniment.