stir-frying lettuce with bacon

How to Make Stir-Fried Bacon with Lettuce Stems: A Complete Guide

Stir-fried bacon with lettuce stems is a savory, crispy-tender dish popular in Chinese cuisine. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

200g cured bacon (diced), 1 fresh lettuce stem (sliced diagonally), 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 pepper.

Steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the bacon into small strips. Peel and slice the lettuce stem into thin, diagonal pieces for a crisp texture. Mince garlic and slice chili if using.

2. Cook the bacon: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add bacon and stir-fry until crispy and golden, releasing its fat. Remove excess oil if preferred, then set aside.

3. Stir-fry aromatics: In the same wok, sauté garlic and chili until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Combine and season: Add lettuce stems, stir-frying for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Return bacon to the wok, then add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Toss quickly to coat evenly.

5. Serve: Dish out immediately and enjoy hot with steamed rice!

Tips: For extra flavor, splash a teaspoon of rice wine while stir-frying the bacon. Avoid overcooking the lettuce to retain its crunch. This quick dish balances salty, savory, and fresh notes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.