Asian Green Vegetables Recipe
Erin Rains
Asian green vegetables are a staple in many dishes across Asian cuisines, offering not only a visual feast but also a burst of health benefits. These greens are not just side dishes; they enhance meals with their fresh flavors and provide vital nutrients.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal
Medium pot
Small skillet
Strainer
Serving plate
- Here’s what you’ll need to make these vibrant flavorful greens:
- - 10 oz Chinese greens such as yu choy, baby bok choy, choy sum, spinach, or Chinese broccoli, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces if needed
- - Pinch of salt and a few drops of vegetable oil for optional blanching
- - 4 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- - 2 tablespoons peanut oil or your choice of vegetable oil
- - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- - Optional: A splash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor
- - Optional: A sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnishing
Step 1: Prepare the Water
Step 2: Blanch the Greens
Once your water is boiling, gently add the greens to the pot. For quicker cooking, keep the heat high. You want these greens to remain crisp, so if you're using tender varieties like spinach or baby bok choy, blanch for about 1 minute. For sturdier options like Chinese broccoli, aim for about 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender.
Step 3: Chill the Greens
Immediately after blanching, transfer the greens to a bowl of cold tap water. This stops the cooking process and helps them retain their crunch. You’ll want the greens to be warm rather than completely cold, so keep an eye on them. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, drain the water and gently press out excess moisture.
Step 5: Infuse the Oil
In a small skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it as you wait for it to reach a shimmering point, indicating it's hot. Toss in the chopped garlic and stir continuously. You want the garlic to turn golden without burning—which takes only a minute or so. The goal here is to infuse the oil with that delectable garlic flavor.
Step 6: Drizzle and Enjoy
Now, take the hot garlic oil and carefully pour it over the plated greens. The sizzle is music to your ears! Finally, drizzle the soy sauce on top, and you’re done. Serve this dish immediately, and enjoy the bright and savory explosion of flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Wash and chop your vegetables in advance so that preparing the dish is quick and seamless.
- Adjust the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your veggies as cooking times can vary based on size and freshness. You want them tender-crisp!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add a splash of oyster sauce or some chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Garnish for Style: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and a touch of elegance to your dish.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor, but if you're in a pinch, garlic powder can be a stand-in—just reduce the quantity.
Serving: 4gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2.9gFat: 6.9gSodium: 275mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 1g
Keyword Asian Green Vegetables Recipe