Crunchy Celery with Spicy Peanuts

Name: Crunchy Celery with Spicy Peanuts
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 medium stalks celery; 1/2 cup roasted peanuts; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; a pinch sugar; 1/4 teaspoon (optional) dried chili flakes

A light and refreshing appetizer that teams snappy celery with toasty roasted peanuts in a savory, slightly tangy dressing. This quick Chinese side dish delivers satisfying crunch in every bite.

20 min

Easy

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Story

This fuss-free dish is a staple in Chinese home cooking, loved for its bright flavors and satisfying textural contrast. The quick blanch gives the celery a vibrant color and tender-crisp bite without losing that satisfying snap.

Ingredients

celery 4 medium stalks

roasted peanuts 1/2 cup

garlic, minced 2 cloves

vegetable oil 2 tablespoons

sesame oil 1 teaspoon

light soy sauce 1 tablespoon

rice vinegar 1 teaspoon

salt 1/2 teaspoon

sugar a pinch

dried chili flakes 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

Blanch the celery

Bring a pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cut the celery into 2-inch pieces and drop them in for about 30 seconds—just until they turn bright green and soften slightly while still holding their crunch. Fish them out immediately and plunge into an ice bath to halt the cooking.

Toast the peanuts

If your peanuts are raw, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, roughly 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding to the dish—they should be nice and crisp.

Make the dressing and combine

Drain the celery well and pat dry. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and chili flakes if using. Add the celery and peanuts, then pour the heated vegetable oil over the minced garlic right on top to release its aroma. Toss everything gently until nicely coated.

Let it rest and serve

Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Serve at room temperature or chilled—either way, it's a wonderfully refreshing side or snack.