Chye Sim is commonly enjoyed because of its fantastic flavour and crunch. It’s a staple in local cuisine, finding its way into a wide range of home-cooked dishes. We commonly see it in stir-fries, soups, and salads, but Chye Sim is more versatile than we think.

 

It has the ability to blend seamlessly with different flavours, and it can also stand. Because of its versatility, you can say that Chye Sim is a true culinary chameleon. Today, we will learn more about Chye Sim and its versatility.

What is Chye Sim?

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Chye Sim, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family. It is widely consumed in different Asian cuisines and holds a prominent place in Singaporean dishes.

Chye Sim has long, slender stalks topped with dark green, vibrant leaves. Its name, “Chye Sim”, is derived from the Cantonese dialect, which translates to “heart of the vegetable”. It closely resembles another popular leafy green, Pak Choybecause of its similar appearance, although it has its own distinct taste and texture.

Nutrition Facts of Chye Sim
This leafy veggie is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports our immune system and promotes collagen production for healthy skin. It also provides a good amount of vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and maintaining bone health. Chye Sim also contains folate, a B vitamin essential important for cell growth and development.
On top of these, Chye Sim is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which help protect our body against harmful free radicals. And finally, Chye Sim offers dietary fibre, aiding in digestion and supporting a healthy and happy gut.
6 Uncommon Ways to Cook or Prepare Chye Sim
Now that we know more about Chye Sim and why it’s good for us, here are six surprising ways you can use the leafy green in your cooking.
1. Nutritious Smoothie Ingredient

Have you considered adding Chye Sim to your smoothies or juices? It’s unexpected, but some have already discovered the potential of Chye Sim in adding a nutritious boost to beverages. By adding Chye Sim to your juices or smoothies, you’re not just adding a unique twist and subtle green flavour to your drinks, you’re also adding in a boost of extra nutrients. 

 

Author’s Tip: Chye Sim goes surprisingly well with pineapple, lemon, kiwi, and mango.

 

Image Credit: VertiVeggies
2. Chye Sim Pesto
Chye Sim can be made into a flavourful and aromatic pesto. While pesto traditionally features basil as its star ingredient, you can put a creative twist on this classic sauce by incorporating Chye Sim. 
Blend Chye Sim leaves with garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon to create a unique and delicious pesto variation with a slightly peppery note. You can then use your Chye Sim pesto as a spread on sandwiches, a sauce for pasta, or a flavorful dip for bread.
3. Chye Sim Wraps
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Instead of using traditional lettuce leaves, you can use Chye Sim leaves as a unique alternative for creating tasty wraps. The sturdy yet flexible nature of Chye Sim leaves makes them ideal for wrapping up fillings like stir-fried veggies, grilled meats, or even tofu. It adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavour to your wraps.
4. Chye Sim Chips
Transform Chye Sim leaves into crispy, homemade chips! Simply toss the leaves with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle them with your favourite seasonings (such as salt, pepper, or paprika), and bake them until they turn crispy. These Chye Sim chips offer a healthier alternative to store-bought potato chips. The kids are going to love this one!
5. Chye Sim Kimchi
Give your traditional kimchi a twist by incorporating Chye Sim. Kimchi is a popular Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, and Chye Sim can be an exciting addition to the mix. By fermenting Chye Sim leaves with other ingredients like chilli paste, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, you can create a tangy and slightly spicy Chye Sim kimchi. This kimchi variation can be enjoyed as a side or used to add a zesty kick to various recipes.
6. Chye Sim Brownies
Image Credit: San Miguel Produce

To make the Chye Sim Brownies, you’ll need to puree the boiled stems of the Chye Sim (save the leaves for your Chye Sim wraps or another menu) and mix them into the brownie batter along with the usual ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and eggs. The result is a fudgy, rich, and surprisingly decadent brownie that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Lastly, can I grow Chye Sim at home?
Time for an important question! You can definitely buy Chye Sim from a grocery store but is it possible and easy to grow it at home? That is a big YES. 
Our innovative Grobrix wall brings the joy of growing Chye Sim right to your doorstep. We take care of the installation process, ensuring that your Grobrix farm wall is expertly set up in your home. You don’t have to worry about a thing.