Stir-Fried Bitter Greens
A quick and simple Chinese stir-fry featuring tender bitter greens tossed with fragrant garlic and chili. The slight bitterness of the greens pairs beautifully with the savory aromatics, creating a classic home-style vegetable dish.
Story
Bitter greens are a beloved ingredient in Chinese home cooking, appreciated for their unique flavor and potential health benefits. This quick stir-fry keeps the greens crisp and vibrant, letting their natural bitterness shine through the simple combination of garlic and chili.
Ingredients
bitter greens (stems and leaves)
1 bunch, washed
garlic, minced
2–3 cloves
dried chili segments
to taste
cooking oil
1–2 tbsp
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Prepare the ingredients
Separate the bitter greens from any tough stems. Wash thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the minced garlic and set the chili segments aside.
2
Heat the wok and bloom the aromatics
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the dried chili segments and minced garlic, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and just golden at the edges.
3
Stir-fry the bitter greens
Add the chopped bitter greens to the wok. Stir-fry vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the leaves are wilted but still bright green. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
