frying Artemisia argensis

How to Make Stir-Fried Artemisia Selengensis with Stinky Tofu

Stir-fried Artemisia selengensis with stinky tofu is a beloved Chinese dish that combines earthy greens with pungent, savory tofu. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 300g fresh Artemisia selengensis (tender stalks preferred), 200g stinky tofu (cut into 1cm cubes), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red chili (sliced, optional), 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp light soy sauce, ½ tsp dark soy sauce (for color), ½ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prep the greens: Trim Artemisia selengensis, discard tough ends, and wash thoroughly. Soak in salted water for 10 minutes to remove bitterness, then drain and pat dry.

2. Fry the tofu: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-fry the greens: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and chili until fragrant (30 seconds). Toss in Artemisia selengensis, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until it wilts but stays crisp.

4. Combine and season: Return fried tofu to the wok. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir-fry for another minute, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Serve hot with steamed rice. The dish balances the bitterness of the Artemisia with the rich, salty tofu, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor. Enjoy this authentic taste of Jiangsu cuisine!