| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 100 | 7g | 1g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 4g | 0.6g |
Rain, snow, or sunshine – there’s always something magical about the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where I draw my culinary inspiration from. On one such day caught between the rhythm of changing seasons, I stumbled upon this delectable and health-packed recipe that I simply had to bring back to Your Gourmet Guru, the ‘Chinese Cabbage with Oyster Sauce. Every bite, bathed in seasoned oyster sauce and speckled with hints of garlic and ginger, reminded me of the picturesque mountain scenery – somehow, a perfect harmony between simplicity and depth. By the end of this post, I hope this dish will find a special place in your kitchen repertoire just like it did in mine.
More than just a leafy delight
Intricately crafted, the Chinese Cabbage with Oyster Sauce not only presents a glorious medley of flavors but is also a nutrient-dense wonder. The star ingredient, Chinese cabbage (known popularly as Bok Choy), being low in calories and rich in vitamins like A, C, and K, offers a boon of health benefits. This leafy green wonder, beautifully enhanced by aromatic garlic and ginger, comes wrapped with the twin health merits of boosting your immune system and ensuring good digestion. Furthermore, the sesame oil endows it with a unique nuttiness and the additional advantage of healthy fats.
A Cultural Culinary Odyssey
As an adventurous culinary explorer, I must give credit where its due. This alluring recipe is reminiscent of traditional Chinese stir-fry dishes while being a versatile side dish. Pair it with grilled meats, perhaps a succulent portion of game that my partner Gordon and I love on our usual barbeque nights, or your favorites like roast duck or Szechuan chicken, and you’re in for a feast for your taste buds. Alternatively, it works excellently as a standalone vegan dish, making it an adaptable recipe that can cater to various diet preferences.
While preparing this beloved recipe, I recommend using high-quality oyster sauce from trusted brands and freshly ground black pepper for an authentic and rich taste. And with the kick of umami from the soy sauce, together, they create a flavor profile that is nothing short of addictively delicious.
.
Remember, food is not just a manifestation of our survival instincts; it’s a reflection of our culture, emotions, and most importantly, our love. And Chinese Cabbage with Oyster Sauce, in its humble yet robust character, is a perfect testament to this philosophy. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large head of Chinese cabbage (bok choy), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
Method
Step One
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger. Cook the garlic and ginger, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Step Two
Add the chopped Chinese cabbage (bok choy) to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry the cabbage, continuously tossing and stirring to ensure all pieces are evenly cooked, for about 3-4 minutes or until the cabbage begins to wilt.
Step Three
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Four
Pour 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of chicken broth over the cooked cabbage in the wok, followed by the sauce mixture from step three. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the sauces and spices.
Step Five
In another small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the wok or skillet, stirring it into the cabbage and sauce.
Step Six
Allow the cabbage to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Adjust seasoning with extra pepper or soy sauce if necessary.
Step Seven
Serve the Chinese Cabbage hot with a drizzle of the thick oyster sauce from the pan. Enjoy this hearty dish as a side or a main course!
