What Is Tatsoi?

Tatsoi is a small leafy brassica green with spoon-shaped leaves and tender stems. It is used in salads, soups, quick stir-fries, and simple vegetable sides.

It is not as common in Chinese grocery stores as bok choy or choy sum, but it works well in many Chinese-style home cooking methods.

Quick Answer

Tatsoi is a tender leafy green with a mild mustard-like flavor. Cook it quickly like spinach or baby bok choy, especially in soups and garlic stir-fries.

What Does Tatsoi Taste Like?

Tatsoi tastes mild, green, and slightly mustardy. Baby tatsoi is tender and sweet, while mature leaves can taste a little stronger.

The leaves wilt quickly, so it is best for short cooking times.

Tatsoi vs Bok Choy

Tatsoi and bok choy are both brassica greens, but they look and cook differently. Bok choy has thicker pale stems and more crunch. Tatsoi has smaller, softer leaves and thinner stems.

Use bok choy when you want crisp stems. Use tatsoi when you want a softer leafy green.

How To Cook Tatsoi

Tatsoi can be stir-fried with garlic, added to soup, steamed briefly, or wilted into noodles.

Wash it well and drain thoroughly. Add it near the end of cooking so the leaves do not overcook.

Best Tatsoi Substitute

Use baby bok choy, spinach, choy sum, yu choy, pea shoots, or tender mustard greens.

Spinach is easiest to find, while baby bok choy gives a more Chinese vegetable texture.

FAQs

Is tatsoi the same as bok choy?

No. They are related leafy greens, but bok choy has thicker stems while tatsoi is softer and more leaf-focused.

Can you eat tatsoi raw?

Yes. Young tatsoi leaves can be eaten raw in salads, though they are also good lightly cooked.

Is tatsoi bitter?

Tatsoi is usually mild, but mature leaves can have a slight mustardy edge.

Conclusion

Tatsoi is a gentle leafy green for quick cooking. Use it when you want a tender green that can stand in for spinach, baby bok choy, or other mild Chinese-style greens.