Are you tired of boring vegetable side dishes that lack excitement? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this lightning-fast Chinese mustard greens stir-fry that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition in just 15 minutes! This simple yet incredibly delicious recipe will transport your kitchen to the bustling streets of China, offering a perfect blend of crisp textures and savory notes that will make even veggie-skeptics ask for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Chinese mustard greens
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the Chinese mustard greens thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough bottom stems and cut the greens into 2-inch pieces, separating the leafy parts from the thicker stems.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and quickly stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- First add the thicker stem pieces to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, as they take slightly longer to cook than the leafy parts.
- Add the leafy green parts of the mustard greens to the wok. Stir-fry rapidly, tossing the greens continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Pour in the soy sauce and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are bright green and slightly wilted but still crisp.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the greens and give a final quick toss to distribute the flavor.
- Taste and add salt if needed, keeping in mind the soy sauce already provides some saltiness.
- Transfer to a serving plate immediately to prevent overcooking and serve hot as a side dish.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Always separate the thicker stems from the leafy parts, as they have different cooking times. Start with stems, then add leaves for perfectly cooked greens.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat to achieve that classic stir-fry char without overcooking the greens.
- Garlic Alert: Watch your garlic closely - 30 seconds is all you need to release its flavor without burning.
- Keep it Moving: Constantly toss the greens while stir-frying to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Finish with Finesse: The drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a beautiful, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of rice wine during cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
