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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A quick and vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring tender oyster mushrooms paired with colorful bell peppers. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The mushrooms are blanched first for a delicate texture, then wok-tossed with crisp vegetables and aromatic seasonings.
