Babaocai

Babaocai is a Chinese stir-fry of mixed vegetables, seafood and other ingredients that might otherwise be leftovers. Its name combines the Chinese word for eight treasures with the word for vegetables or dishes, pointing to a collection of about eight prized components rather than a fixed recipe. Typical ingredients include sea cucumber, shrimp and squid alongside vegetables such as bamboo shoots, and meat, tofu or eggs may also go in. Everything is chopped, stir-fried in a wok or pan and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It can be served as a side dish or spooned over a bowl of rice. The same dish is known as palbochae in Korean and as happosai in Japanese.