Spicy Stir-Fried Lettuce Strips
A quick and vibrant Chinese side dish featuring crisp lettuce stems tossed with aromatic seasonings. This dish comes together in minutes and delivers a satisfying crunch with a gentle kick of heat.
Story
This classic Chinese home-style dish showcases the humble lettuce stem in a whole new light. The key is keeping the strips crisp-tender—they should still have a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. Feel free to adjust the chili to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Lettuce stems
2 medium stalks (about 300g)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves
2, minced
Dried red chilies
3-4 pieces, halved
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon
Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Sesame oil
1 teaspoon, optional
Instructions
1
Prep the lettuce
Trim the ends of the lettuce stems and peel off any tough outer layers. Cut each stem in half lengthwise, then slice into thin strips about 3 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. Aim for uniform thickness for even cooking.
2
Heat the wok
Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Let the oil heat until it shimmers slightly—this usually takes about 30 seconds.
3
Bloom the aromatics
Add the dried red chilies to the hot oil and stir-fry for 15-20 seconds until they turn darker and release their fragrance. Be careful not to burn them. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 10 seconds until fragrant.
4
Cook the lettuce
Add the lettuce strips all at once. Stir-fry vigorously for 1-2 minutes. The strips should remain crisp and slightly bright green. Season with salt, sugar, and soy sauce. Toss everything together quickly.
5
Finish and serve
Remove from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil if using and give one final toss. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
