What is Lily Flower (金针菜)?
Dried Daylily Buds, also known as Golden Needle Vegetable, is a classic ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It has a light earthy flavor, slightly chewy texture, and is commonly used in braised dishes, soups, and stir-fries.
How to Store
-
Unopened (Dried):
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. -
After Opening:
Keep sealed in an airtight container to prevent moisture. -
After Soaking:
Refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days.
How to Wash & Clean
- Rinse briefly under running water to remove dust.
- Soak in clean water for 20–30 minutes until softened.
- Trim off the hard stem ends if present.
- Rinse again and drain well.
How to Prepare (Important Step)
- After soaking, bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch for 5–10 minutes to remove any natural bitterness.
- Drain and rinse with clean water.
- Ready to use in cooking.
Classic Recipe: Braised Pork with Lily Flower (金针菜焖肉)
Ingredients
- 30g Premium Lily Flower (金针菜), soaked & blanched
- 300g pork belly (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup water or stock
Instructions
- Heat a pan and lightly brown the pork belly.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add lily flower and stir briefly.
- Add soy sauces, sugar, and water.
- Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until tender.
- Serve hot with rice.
Alternative: Stir-Fried Lily Flower with Mushrooms
- Stir-fry lily flower with mushrooms, garlic, and vegetables
- Add oyster sauce and a splash of water
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until fragrant
Texture Tips
- Properly prepared lily flower should be tender yet slightly chewy
- Always blanch to remove bitterness and improve taste
Health Benefits
- Rich in dietary fiber
- Traditionally believed to help promote relaxation and overall wellness
- Light and nutritious for daily meals
Pro Tips (For Your Customers)
- Essential ingredient for Buddha’s Delight (罗汉斋)
- Absorbs sauces very well — perfect for braised dishes
- Do not skip the blanching step for best flavor