When one mentions the popular Chinese snack called li hing mui, people usually think of dried plum treats that perfectly balance a mixture of salty and sweet flavors. Minh Phan, a renowned chef, is offering a twist on this traditional favorite by using fresh plums in a spiced brine that gives the same tantalizing mix of sweetness and salt. The pickled plums can then be served stirred into a refreshing soda, along with their pickling juice and a sparkle of water, accented with a hint of Thai basil.

This recipe is versatile, making it great for both short-term consumption and long-term storage. The instructions provided here will yield four jars of pickled plums that can be safely stored for an extended period. Nonetheless, if you plan to enjoy them within a few days or weeks, you can skip the canning process and go straight to the third step. All that's required are clean jars, preferably four pints or two quarts with airtight lids.

Your journey towards flavorful joy begins by packing plums, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, pink peppercorns, and fennel seeds into the jars. Then, pour in a boiling blend of unseasoned rice vinegar, distilled white vinegar, brown sugar, and kosher salt until just half an inch from the jar's rim. Once you've sealed the filled jars, they just need to cool, then they're ready for refrigeration. As the pickling time extends, so does the depth of their sweet and salty flavor delight. We recommend letting the plums pickle for at least a day before you try them.

When the directions are being followed to create sealed jars for storage, lower the filled containers into boiling water, ensuring an inch of water covers them. Let them boil for 20 minutes. Once done, use canning tongs to move the jars to a rack for cooling. If the lids seal properly (look for a concave curve), you'll know that they're stored correctly. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated. The sealed pickled plums can be stored in a cool, dark area for up to half a year. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy your homemade, delightful salty-sweet plum treat.