21 Must-Try Ways to Use Li Hing Mui Powder

Li Hing Mui (pronounced lee-hing-moo-ee) is a Hawaiian seasoning that's been a staple in Hawaiian cuisine for over a century. From snacks and cocktails to baked dishes, Li Hing Mui Powder is a versatile ingredient that can elevate just about any meal or beverage.

Read on to learn more about this Hawaiian favorite, how to use it, and where to buy it.

What Is Li Hing Mui Powder? 

Li Hing Mui or Li Hing is a salted, dried plum originally from China. Translated from Cantonese, Ling Hing Mui means ''traveling plum.'' It has a unique sweet, tangy, and salty flavor reminiscent of a milder version of Tajín.

You can find Li Hing Mui in two variants: in whole or powder form. Li Hing Mui Powder is made by pickling dried, salted plums in sugar, salt, and licorice and then grinding them. Often, plum powder isn't consumed alone but used as a condiment to flavor other foods.

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Health Benefits of Li Hing Mui Powder

Li Hing Mui powder offers several potential health benefits. This unique powder, celebrated in Hawaiian cuisine, brings a delightful twist to food while providing nutritional advantages:

Rich in Antioxidants

One of the primary health benefits of Li Hing Mui powder is its rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can lead to cellular damage and contribute to chronic diseases. By incorporating Li Hing Mui powder into your diet, you can enhance your antioxidant intake, promoting overall health and well-being.

Digestive Aid

Li Hing Mui powder is often recognized for its digestive properties. The dried plum contains dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and support digestive health. Additionally, the tangy flavor can stimulate saliva production, aiding in the initial stages of digestion and helping the body break down food more efficiently.

Hydration Support

The powder's unique flavor profile makes it a popular ingredient in beverages, particularly when added to water or lemonade. By using Li Hing Mui powder in drinks, you not only enhance the taste but also encourage hydration, which is essential for maintaining optimal bodily functions. Staying hydrated can improve skin health, boost energy levels, and support overall vitality.

Natural Energy Booster

Li Hing Mui powder can provide a quick energy boost due to its natural sugars. This makes it an excellent option for athletes and active individuals looking for a refreshing and revitalizing snack. The sweet and tangy flavor can help satisfy cravings while providing essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for energy replenishment.

Dust Donuts with Plum Powder

Powdered sugar is the go-to ingredient for many people looking to dust their donuts. Tired of using the same old powdered sugar to dust your donuts? Dust them with Li Hing Mui powder for a unique savory treat.

Use Li Hing Powder in Meat Marinades

Li Hing Mui Powder pairs well with many meat dishes, particularly chicken dishes. If you're making a Hawaiian chicken marinade using brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and garlic, add some Li Hing Mui powder to make a marinade that's even more onolicious.

Li Hing Powder in Poke for Extra Flavor

Poke is a popular Hawaiian dish that's similar to sushi. It's typically made from ahi tuna or octopus that's cut into cubes and marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and spring onions. While poke is traditionally served as an appetizer, you can also serve it as a main dish.

On its own, poke is a tasty dish with a mix of sweet, spicy, and briny flavors. But if you want to give it an extra kick, add some Li Hing Mui Powder to give it a sublime taste.

Li Hing Mui Powder on Cupcakes

Li Hing Mui Powder can give your cupcakes more character. Add it to your cupcake batter or sprinkle it on top of your baked cupcakes to give them a sweet, tangy, and salty flavor.

Add Li Hing Powder in Cookie Recipes

Li Hing Mui Powder pairs well with many baked treats, including cookies. Add it to your cupcake batter or sprinkle it on your baked cookies for a piquant taste.

Li Hing Mui Powder in Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce has a delightfully sweet and tart flavor with a pleasant texture. But Li Hing Mui Powder can make it even better. Add Li Hing Powder to your cranberry sauce at your next Thanksgiving dinner to give it a subtle savory flavor.

Flavor Arare (Mochi Crunch) with Li Hing Powder

Arare, also known as kaki mochi or mochi crunch, is a savory toasted rice cracker native to Japan but very popular in Hawaii. The tangy, sweet, and salty flavor of Li Hing Mui Powder complements the slightly savory taste of arare, giving it more depth.

Add Li Hing Mui Powder to your arare, or get a bag of Li Hing Mui Arare for a flavorful and enjoyable treat.

Enhance Chocolate Candy with Li Hing Mui Powder

While it may sound counterintuitive, Li Hing Powder can elevate chocolate candy. Its tangy and salty flavor can meld well with the sweet taste of chocolate candy, resulting in an exquisite and mouthwatering treat. 

Use Li Hing Powder on Malasadas for Hawaiian Flavor

Malasadas are Portuguese donuts that are a beloved fried snack in Hawaii. Unlike traditional donuts, malasadas don't have a hole. Most recipes use spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give malasadas more punch. But to give your malasadas a zesty kick, add some Li Hing Powder.

Use Li Hing Mui Powder in Apple Pie

Apple pie is an iconic American dish that's a popular comfort food in many homes. Want to give it a twist? Then try out a Li Hing Mui Apple Pie. The sweet, tangy, and salty taste of Li Hing Mui complements the tartness of apple pie well, resulting in a bolder flavor. 

Mix Hawaiian Plum Powder in Lemonade

Think Li Hing Powder only goes well in food? Think again. It's a versatile seasoning that's also great in drinks. Add a pinch of it to your lemonade to indulge in a refreshing beverage that's sour and slightly salty.

Enhance Cocktails with Li Hing Mui Powder

Li Hing Mui pairs well with cocktails — particularly margaritas and martinis. Add some Li Hing powder to your cocktail recipe for a refreshing and tangy kick.

Rim Cocktail Glasses with Hawaiian Plum Powder

Most people use salt or sugar to rim their cocktail glasses. If you want to liven up your presentation and surprise friends at your next cocktail party, use Li Hing Mui Powder instead. It's sure to dazzle your guests and give their taste buds a kick they'll never forget.

Add Plum Powder Hawaii to Salad Dressings

Salt and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are the go-to ingredients in many salad dressings. Bored of these trite ingredients? Then, add Li Hing Mui powder to your salad dressing for a one-of-a-kind Li Hing Mui recipe.

Sprinkle Li Hing Powder On Potato Chips

Potato chips are incredibly versatile, and they take on many flavors well. For a unique, crunchy, satisfying snack, sprinkle some Li Hing Mui seasoning into your potato chips or go nuts and add as much powder as your palate craves.