garlic, oil and wheat vegetables

How to Make Garlic Oil麦菜 (Garlic Choy Sum) A Step-by-Step Guide

Garlic Oil麦菜, a beloved Chinese stir-fry, is celebrated for its crisp-tender texture and fragrant, savory flavor. This simple dish requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste. Here’s a detailed guide to mastering it.

Ingredients:

- 500g fresh oil麦菜 (or choy sum), washed and drained

- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp sesame oil

- Pinch of salt (optional, if using salted soy sauce)

- ½ tsp sugar (to balance flavors)

Steps:

1. Prep the Greens: Trim the ends of the oil麦菜. If the stalks are thick, slice them lengthwise for even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to prevent splattering.

2. Infuse Garlic Heat: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and stir gently until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute)—avoid browning, which causes bitterness.

3. Stir-Fry Quickly: Increase heat to high. Add oil麦菜 and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the leaves wilt slightly but stalks remain crisp.

4. Season and Serve: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil, sprinkle sugar and salt (if using). Toss well for 30 seconds until evenly coated. Transfer to a plate immediately.

Tips: For extra umami, a dash of oyster sauce can be added. Serve hot with steamed rice to enjoy its vibrant, garlicky goodness. This quick, healthy recipe is perfect for weeknights, offering restaurant-quality results at home!