Easy Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Fresh Minced Garlic Recipe
Discover a quick, simple, and flavorful Choy Sum dish bursting with garlicky goodness.
Elevate your dinner table with this mouthwatering stir-fried choy sum recipe. This dish embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine, where a plate of vibrant greens is as essential as rice. Learn how to create a restaurant-quality side dish that’s both healthy and irresistible.
This versatile cooking method works wonders with various greens. While choy sum takes center stage here, feel free to experiment with Chinese broccoli, bok choy, watercress, or even Western favorites like kale, collards, and swiss chard. The possibilities are endless!
Master the art of perfectly stir-fried vegetables with our step-by-step guide. From blanching to creating a savory garlic sauce, we’ll show you how to achieve that coveted wok hei flavor in your own kitchen.
Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique
Step 1: Blanch for Brilliance
Begin by briefly blanching your chosen greens in boiling water. This crucial step not only tenderizes the vegetables but also locks in their vibrant color, ensuring an eye-catching presentation.
Step 2: Wok Magic
Heat your wok until it’s smoking hot, then add the blanched vegetables. The key to perfect stir-frying lies in the quick, high-heat cooking process that preserves the greens’ crispness and nutritional value.
Step 3: Create Space
Push the sizzling vegetables to the sides of the wok, making room for the star of the show – our aromatic garlic sauce.
Step 4: Sauce Sensation
Pour the flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic into the center of the wok. Watch as the aromatics fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
With a few expert flicks of the wrist, combine the sauce and vegetables, coating each piece evenly. Your restaurant-quality dish is now ready to impress!
Transform your meals with this lightning-fast, nutritious side dish. Say goodbye to boring vegetables and hello to a world of flavor!
Stir-Fried Choy Sum With Minced Garlic
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 pound choy sum, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 2 tablespoons vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ground white pepper powder, soy sauce, salt, cornstarch, sesame oil, and water. Stir in the minced garlic (see notes). Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped choy sum and blanch until bright green, about 40 seconds. Drain thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the choy sum, stir vigorously, and season with a pinch of salt. Continue stir-frying for about 2 minutes. Push the choy sum to the sides of the wok (see note). Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it into the center. As soon as it starts to bubble, toss it with the choy sum. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Chef’s Notes
For a milder garlic flavor, omit garlic from the sauce in step 1. Instead, during step 3, stir-fry the minced garlic in the wok for about 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
64 | Calories |
5g | Fat |
3g | Carbs |
1g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 64 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 5g | 7% |
Saturated Fat 1g | 4% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 117mg | 5% |
Total Carbohydrate 3g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
Total Sugars 1g | |
Protein 1g | |
Vitamin C 21mg | 103% |
Calcium 76mg | 6% |
Iron 1mg | 5% |
Potassium 296mg | 6% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |