Shanghai-style Corn Stir-fry

Ingredients

In this Shanghai-style adaptation, we replace the traditional American ingredients like bell peppers and tomatoes with Shanghai staples such as ginger, garlic, and scallions. The dish is stir-fried instead of simmered, allowing the corn to retain its natural crunch. The addition of soy sauce and a touch of sugar enhances the umami flavors and balances the sweetness of the corn. These modifications infuse the dish with the distinct flavors and techniques of Shanghai cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Maque Choux, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (600g) fresh corn kernels 4 cups (600g) fresh corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced ginger, garlic, and sliced scallions to the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the fresh corn kernels to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
5. 5.
   Pour the soy sauce mixture over the corn in the wok and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the corn is evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and transfer the Shanghai-style Corn Stir-fry to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn — Use fresh corn kernels for the best flavor and texture. If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels, but make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of dried chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili pepper.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• For a richer flavor, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the stir-fry just before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of sugar in the soy sauce mixture.
• To make it a heartier main course, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the stir-fry.

Serving advice

Serve the Shanghai-style Corn Stir-fry hot as a side dish alongside your favorite Shanghai-style main course or as a standalone vegetarian main course with steamed rice. Garnish with additional sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Shanghai-style Corn Stir-fry in a vibrant serving dish that showcases the golden color of the corn. Consider using traditional Shanghai-style tableware to enhance the cultural experience.