stir-fried lettuce

How to Stir-Fry Lettuce: A Simple Guide

Stir-fried lettuce is a quick, healthy, and versatile dish that highlights the vegetable’s crisp, refreshing flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it requires minimal ingredients and effort. Here’s a basic guide to get you started.

Ingredients:

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

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or peanut oil)

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp salt

- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

- Optional: a few drops of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Steps:

1. Prep: Dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent steaming. Mince garlic and set aside.

2. Heat the wok: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat.

3. Sauté aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and stir-fry for 10-15 seconds until fragrant—avoid browning to prevent bitterness.

4. Cook the lettuce: Add lettuce in batches, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted but still crisp.

5. Season: Drizzle with soy sauce, sprinkle salt and sugar (if using), and toss quickly to combine. Remove from heat immediately.

Tips: For extra crunch, blanch lettuce briefly in boiling water before stir-frying. Serve hot as a side dish or with rice for a light meal. Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-packed dish in under 10 minutes!