Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese-style stir-fried lettuce dish featuring fresh Chinese lettuce tossed in a savory oyster sauce blend with garlic and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect as a light, healthy side that maintains the crisp-tender texture of the greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head Chinese lettuce (or Romaine), washed and chopped
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water or broth
- A pinch of optional sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash the Chinese lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Drain well and chop into large pieces or separate the leaves according to your preference.
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned to infuse the oil with a garlic aroma.
- Stir-fry the Lettuce: Add the chopped lettuce to the wok and toss quickly, ensuring that each leaf is coated with the garlicky oil. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the lettuce is bright green and just starting to soften.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and the water or broth to create a light sauce. Toss everything to evenly coat the lettuce and cook for another 30 seconds to absorb the flavors.
- Final Touch and Serve: Add a pinch of sugar if desired to balance the flavors and create a subtle glaze. Remove from heat immediately to preserve the crisp-tender texture and serve warm right away.
Notes
- Use Chinese lettuce for the authentic texture, but Romaine lettuce is a good substitute.
- Adjust oyster sauce and soy sauce quantities according to taste preference and salt tolerance.
- A splash of broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the greens.
- Optionally, add a few drops of sesame oil for extra aroma after cooking.
