Ever have one of those days where you’re craving something fresh, quick, and downright delicious? Let me introduce you to my stir-fried choy sum – it’s like a flavor-packed, green power boost that you can whip up in no time!
I love how simple and nutritious this Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry is. With the vibrant choy sum, a splash of soy sauce, and fragrant minced garlic, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
It’s a quick side dish I often whip up, rich in iron and vitamins.
Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe Ingredients
- Choy Sum: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber; promotes healthy eyesight.
- Garlic: Known for boosting immunity; adds aromatic, savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami, enhances depth of flavors, contains sodium.
- Vegetable Oil: Source of healthy fats; aids in cooking and flavor absorption.
Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bunch of choy sum (about 250g), trimmed and washed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of sugar
How to Make this Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 10-15 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the choy sum. Stir-fry quickly to coat the greens in the garlic oil.
4. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the choy sum begins to wilt.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the choy sum and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed to suit your preference.
7. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the choy sum is tender-crisp and bright green.
8. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
9. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
10. Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice for a simple meal.
Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large wok or skillet
2. Spatula or wooden spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Serving dish
FAQ
- Can I use other greens instead of choy sum? Yes, you can substitute with other leafy greens like bok choy or spinach.
- Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil? Yes, olive oil can be used, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
- Is it necessary to add sugar to the recipe? The pinch of sugar helps balance the flavors, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- How do I prepare the choy sum before cooking? Trim the ends, wash thoroughly to remove dirt, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I add protein to the stir fry? Absolutely, adding tofu, chicken, or shrimp can turn it into a more substantial dish.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Add the garlic to the oil when it’s hot but not smoking, and stir quickly.
- What can I serve with this stir fry? It pairs well with steamed rice or as a side to a meat or tofu dish.
Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetable oil: Substitute with canola oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Garlic: You can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic, or shallots for a milder taste.
- Soy sauce: Tamari or liquid aminos can be used for those avoiding gluten.
- Salt: Try using sea salt or kosher salt for a different texture and taste.
- Sugar: Replace with honey or agave syrup to add a hint of sweetness.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-Steaming Choy Sum: Before adding the choy sum to the wok, consider blanching it briefly in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This helps ensure an even cooking process and maintains a vibrant green color when stir-frying.
2. Garlic Infusion: For an enhanced garlic flavor, slice one of the garlic cloves thinly in addition to mincing the rest. The sliced garlic will caramelize slightly and add a different texture and depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Soy Sauce Variation: Experiment with different types of soy sauce, such as light soy sauce for a milder flavor or adding a small splash of dark soy sauce for a richer color and a slightly sweeter taste.
4. Oil Infusion: Before adding garlic, infuse the vegetable oil with a few slices of ginger. This will add a subtle aromatic layer to the dish, complementing the choy sum and garlic.
5. Crunchy Texture: For extra texture, add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or roasted peanuts at the end of cooking. This adds a satisfying crunch and an additional nutty flavor to the dish.
Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe
My favorite Simple Choy Sum Garlic Stir Fry Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large wok or skillet
2. Spatula or wooden spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Serving dish
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of choy sum (about 250g), trimmed and washed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of sugar
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 10-15 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the choy sum. Stir-fry quickly to coat the greens in the garlic oil.
4. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the choy sum begins to wilt.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the choy sum and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed to suit your preference.
7. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the choy sum is tender-crisp and bright green.
8. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
9. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
10. Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice for a simple meal.
