Rustic Braised Bamboo Shoots with Peppercorns

Braised bamboo shoots with peppercorns is a rustic dish imbued with traditional Vietnamese flavor. With the delightful crunch of bamboo, combined with a rich sauce and the warm aroma of green peppercorns, this dish is sure to make your family meals more enticing.

Ingredients

To make braised bamboo shoots with peppercorns for 4 servings, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh bamboo shoots: 200 grams
• Green peppercorns: 10 grams (about 2 sprigs)
• Minced shallots: 1 tablespoon
• Vegetarian fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Chili sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Cooking oil: 6 tablespoons
• Common seasonings: vegetarian seasoning powder, sugar, pepper

Ingredients for braised bamboo shoots with peppercorns laid out on a surface

Instructions

Prepare the Bamboo Shoots

After purchasing the bamboo shoots, peel off the tough outer layers. Use the tender inner core and wash it thoroughly. Boil the bamboo shoots in a pot for about 5 minutes to remove any bitterness. Then, remove the bamboo shoots, let them cool, and slice them into bite-sized pieces (about 1 finger segment thick).

Fry the Bamboo Shoots

Place a pan over medium heat, add 5 tablespoons of cooking oil, and wait for the oil to heat up. Then, add the bamboo shoots and fry for about 5 minutes until they are lightly browned at the edges. Remove the bamboo shoots and place them on a plate to drain excess oil.

Tip: Frying the bamboo shoots until lightly browned enhances their richness and flavor in the final braised dish.

Make the Braising Sauce

Place a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced shallots and sauté until fragrant. Next, add 2 tablespoons of vegetarian fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vegetarian seasoning powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the pan with the sautéed shallots. Stir well to dissolve the seasonings.

Braise the Bamboo Shoots

Once the seasonings are dissolved, add the fried bamboo shoots to the pan. Braise over medium heat until the sauce starts to thicken. Add 50ml of water, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the sauce becomes syrupy. Then, add the 2 sprigs of green peppercorns and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes before turning off the heat.

Finished dish of rustic braised bamboo shoots with peppercorns in a bowl

Finished Dish

Spoon the braised bamboo shoots onto a plate and serve hot with steamed rice. The bamboo shoots are crisp yet tender, with a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. The thick sauce is perfect with rice and is guaranteed to make you want more!

Conclusion

With this simple recipe for braised bamboo shoots with peppercorns, you can easily recreate a dish full of rustic, homestyle flavor. Save this recipe and try making it at home to treat your family! Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments section below.

Happy cooking!