Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei Recipe

Inspired by Eileen Yin-Fei Lo's classic "The Chinese Kitchen," this recipe creates incredibly flavorful pickled Asian pears. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or amuse-bouche, these vibrant pears offer a delightful sweet and tangy contrast. We use crisp Hosui or Niitaka pears for optimal texture, achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Enjoy them whole, or julienne for an elegant presentation. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for impressing guests!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 4335 mins

Calories 228.7 kcal

Protein 1g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei

2 pounds Asian pears
1 cup white vinegar
Water (not a measured ingredient in the recipe's brine)
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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How to Make Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei

Peel, core, and wash 2 pounds of firm, ripe Hosui or Niitaka Asian pears. Pat them completely dry.
In a large glass jar (at least 2 quarts), combine the following: 1 cup white vinegar, ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon five-spice powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
Stir well until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Gently add the pears to the jar. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the brine. Seal the jar tightly.
Refrigerate for at least 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer they pickle (up to 6 months), the more intense the flavor will be.
Before serving, remove pears and gently pat dry. Serve whole or julienned as desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

48 g

Sugar

189g

Fat

Carbs

20g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Cantonese 5 Ingredients Or Less Appetizers Condiments Etc Fruit Asian Chinese 1 Day Or More Easy Pears

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei?

Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei takes about 4355 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 4335 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei?

Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei has approximately 228.7 calories per serving, with about 1 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates and 0 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei?

The key ingredients for Pickled Asian Pears Wor Mei Lei are Pears, Chinese White Rice Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Salt, 2 tablespoons soy sauce. See the full list with measurements above.