Ingredients
celery stalks
200g, sliced on the diagonal
mixed mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
150g, trimmed and torn into bite-sized pieces
fresh bird's eye chilies
4-5, halved lengthwise
garlic cloves
3, finely sliced
ginger
1 inch, julienned
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
light soy sauce
1 tablespoon
oyster sauce
1 teaspoon
rice wine
1 tablespoon
cornstarch slurry
1 tablespoon (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)
salt
to taste
sesame oil
1 teaspoon, for finishing
Instructions
1
Prep Your Ingredients
Slice the celery on a sharp diagonal into thin pieces. Tear or slice your mushrooms into uniform bite-sized pieces. Have the chilies, garlic, and ginger ready nearby. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
2
Blanch the Celery
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and blanch the celery for 30 seconds, then drain immediately. This step ensures the celery stays crisp and vibrant green. Set aside.
3
Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant—watch that the garlic doesn't burn!
4
Cook the Mushrooms
Add the mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they release their moisture and start to golden at the edges. The mushrooms should be tender but still have some bite.
5
Combine and Finish
Add the blanched celery to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine. Give everything a quick toss, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve immediately.