fry fungus with lettuce

How to Stir-Fry Lettuce with Wood Ear Mushrooms

Stir-fried lettuce with wood ear mushrooms is a quick, healthy, and delicious Chinese dish that balances crispiness and umami. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make it at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 fresh lettuce (romaine or iceberg works best), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces

- 50g dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked until soft and sliced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp salt

- ¼ tsp sugar (optional, to enhance flavor)

- A pinch of white pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep the ingredients: Soak wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until rehydrated, then trim and slice them. Pat the lettuce dry to avoid excess water.

2. Heat the wok: Add oil to a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

3. Stir-fry the mushrooms: Add the sliced wood ear mushrooms and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender.

4. Cook the lettuce: Toss in the lettuce, stirring constantly. Add soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the lettuce wilts but remains crisp.

5. Serve immediately: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot!

Tips: For extra flavor, a dash of sesame oil or a few drops of vinegar can be added before serving. Avoid overcooking the lettuce to keep it fresh and crunchy. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as a light side dish.