| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 12 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 128 | 7g | 1g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 4g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Taiwanese Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic
Here’s to another venture away from the familiar Southern tastes, as we delve into the delightful culinary world of Taiwan. A dish that has captured my heart recently is the simple yet exuberant Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic. Served in almost every Taiwanese home, this classic dish brings together freshness and zing in a beautiful harmony. Food, like life, is all about balance and this dish exemplifies it impeccably. For someone hailing from Charleston, known for its rich, hearty, and occasionally heavy hand on spices, it’s enlightening to appreciate the simplicity and clean flavors of this Taiwanese favorite.
Exploring the Flavours of Taiwan
There’s a kind of magic in the cuisine of Taiwan, an island with an abundant variety of fresh produce and delicate flavors. Pea shoots, tender and mildly grassy, paired with the aromatic embrace of chopped garlic, and enhanced with a hint of spice – it’s truly a dish that echoes the essence of Taiwanese cuisine. One of the chefs who has been instrumental in introducing me to these profiles is chef Andre Chiang, known for his imagination, innovation and respect for heritage in his Asian-French fusion cooking.
A Perfect Side Dish: Pairing Ideas
The beauty of Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic lies not only in its exquisite flavors but also in its versatility as a side dish. It packs a nutritional punch and complements a variety of meaty mains. Whether you pair it with pan-seared salmon or a well-grilled steak, it adds a refreshing note to the meal, cutting through the heaviness of meats and rounding off the dining experience in a balanced way. For a true taste of Taiwan, pair it with classic Taiwanese braised pork over rice or for a full vegetarian option, try it alongside General Tso’s Tofu.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds pea shoots
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized red chili, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by thoroughly washing the pea shoots and patting them dry. After that, mince the 5 cloves of garlic and chop one medium-sized red chili. Make sure you have wiped your hands thoroughly to avoid coming into contact with your eyes.
Step Two
Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large wok or skillet. Place it on medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the minced garlic and chopped chili. Sauté them until they are sizzling and fragrant.
Step Three
Now add the pea shoots to the wok. Stir-fry the pea shoots with the garlic and chili until they begin to wilt. This usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon sugar and salt to taste. Stir these ingredients until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
Step Five
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the stir-fried pea shoots. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes to ensure that the pea shoots are well-coated in the sauce.
Step Six
Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Once satisfied with the taste, remove from the heat.
Step Seven
Your Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic is ready to be served. Enjoy this dish warm as a side with your favorite main course.
