You can use Chinese celery in stir-fries, soups, dumplings, and even as a crunchy garnish.
It looks like a thinner, leafier version of the celery you find in most grocery stores.
And once you know how to use Chinese celery, it can become a secret weapon in your kitchen.
If you’ve been wondering how to use Chinese celery because you bought a bunch and don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we will explore how to use Chinese celery in everyday cooking, how to prep it, and why it deserves a spot in your fridge.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Chinese Celery And How To Use Chinese Celery
Chinese celery is a flavorful herb and vegetable that you can use in many of the same ways you’d use regular celery, but with a bolder, more aromatic punch.
It’s sometimes called small celery, Asian celery, or cutting celery, and it’s a staple in many Asian cuisines.
Learning how to use Chinese celery starts with understanding what makes it different.
Regular celery has thick, watery stalks and a mild taste.
Chinese celery has thin, hollow stems and leaves that pack a strong, peppery, almost parsley-like flavor.
Because the flavor is so concentrated, a little goes a long way when you use Chinese celery.
1. How To Use Chinese Celery In Stir-Fries
The most common way to use Chinese celery is in a hot wok.
Just chop the stems and leaves into two-inch pieces and toss them in during the last minute of cooking.
You can use Chinese celery in stir-fries with beef, chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
The heat softens the stems slightly while keeping that bright, grassy flavor intact.
This is how to use Chinese celery if you want a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout.
2. How To Use Chinese Celery In Soups And Broths
You can use Chinese celery as an aromatic base for soups.
Many cooks add it to chicken broth, wonton soup, or congee for a gentle, savory background note.
Simply tie a few stalks together with string and simmer them with ginger and garlic.
After twenty minutes, remove the bundle and your broth will have a subtle, herbal depth.
When you use Chinese celery this way, you’re basically making a quick bouquet garni.
3. How To Use Chinese Celery In Dumplings And Fillings
If you’ve ever eaten juicy pork dumplings, you’ve probably tasted Chinese celery without knowing it.
Finely chop the stems and leaves and mix them with ground meat, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
The celery adds moisture and a fresh, peppery kick that cuts through the richness of the meat.
This is one of the best ways to use Chinese celery because the flavor mellows as it steams.
Once you learn how to use Chinese celery in dumplings, you’ll never go back to plain cabbage.
How To Prep And Store Chinese Celery
Before you use Chinese celery, you need to clean it properly.
The thin stems trap grit and dirt, so rinse them under cold running water.
Then trim the root ends and discard any wilted leaves.
You can use the leaves too, so don’t throw them out.
To store Chinese celery, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the fridge.
It will keep for about a week, and you can use Chinese celery straight from the crisper drawer whenever you need it.
If the stems go limp, soak them in ice water for ten minutes to revive them.
1. Can You Eat Chinese Celery Raw?
Yes, you can use Chinese celery raw in salads and slaws.
The raw stems are crunchy and spicy, similar to arugula but with a celery-like snap.
Try slicing them thinly and tossing with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt.
This is a refreshing way to use Chinese celery when you don’t feel like cooking.
2. Can You Substitute Regular Celery For Chinese Celery?
You can use regular celery as a substitute, but the flavor will be much milder.
If a recipe tells you how to use Chinese celery and you only have the regular kind, add a handful of chopped parsley or celery leaves to boost the taste.
Conversely, if you have Chinese celery and a recipe calls for regular celery, use half the amount because the flavor is stronger.
3. What About The Leaves?
The leaves are actually the most flavorful part.
You can use Chinese celery leaves as a garnish for noodles, rice, or grilled meats.
They also work beautifully in pesto or chimichurri.
So when you use Chinese celery, don’t toss the leaves—they’re the best part.
So, How To Use Chinese Celery?
You can use Chinese celery in stir-fries, soups, dumplings, and raw salads.
It’s a versatile ingredient that brings a bold, peppery flavor to any dish.
Just remember to rinse it well, chop it finely, and add it near the end of cooking to preserve its brightness.
Now that you know how to use Chinese celery, grab a bunch at your local Asian market and start experimenting.
Your taste buds will thank you.