Stir-Fried Gai Lan with Garlic and Oyster Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Gai Lan 1 lb (450g) Gai Lan
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the Gai Lan thoroughly and trim off the tough ends of the stems. Cut the Gai Lan into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the Gai Lan to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce mixture over the Gai Lan and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the Gai Lan is tender-crisp.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
9. 9.
   Serve hot as a side dish or as part of a larger Chinese meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gai Lan — Make sure to trim off the tough ends of the stems before cooking to ensure a tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.
• Adjust the saltiness by adding more or less soy sauce according to your taste preference.
• To enhance the flavors, you can add a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine while stir-frying the garlic.
• For a glossy finish, drizzle a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) over the stir-fry before adding the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Garlicky Gai Lan Delight as a side dish alongside steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with other Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried Gai Lan on a platter, ensuring the vibrant green color is visible. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an added touch of freshness.