Here are three popular Chinese vegetable side dish recipes, perfect for adding a delicious and healthy touch to your meal:
1. Chinese Broccoli with Garlic Oyster Sauce
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan), tough ends removed
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or mirin
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce, sugar, cooking wine, sesame oil, and water. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil (optional, for vibrant color). Add the Chinese broccoli and boil over medium heat until the stems remain crisp but the broccoli is cooked through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli, rinse it with cold water for a few seconds to stop the cooking, then drain it again. Transfer the broccoli to a large plate, spreading it out to avoid overlap. If the broccoli is very wet, pat the surface dry with paper towels.
- In a small skillet or saucepan, heat peanut oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and immediately add the oyster sauce mixture, stirring for 10 to 20 seconds. Once the sauce becomes fragrant, pour it over the Chinese broccoli.
- Serve immediately as a side dish.
2. Chinese Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the green beans thoroughly (this is important for achieving a crispy texture).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they are slightly blistered and wrinkled. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the green beans to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to coat all the beans.
- Drizzle with a little sesame oil before serving.
- This dish is perfect as a side for rice, dumplings, or noodles.
3. Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby bok choy, halved or quartered if large
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bok choy and cook for 30-45 seconds, just until the bok choy turns bright green and is slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Stir the sauce mixture and pour it into the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, about 1 minute.
- Add the blanched bok choy to the skillet and toss gently to coat the bok choy with the garlic sauce.
- Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice.
These three Chinese vegetable side dishes are simple yet flavorful additions to any meal, offering a perfect balance of savory and fresh ingredients! Enjoy these with your favorite Chinese main dishes for an authentic, homemade experience.Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy