| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 8.5g | 0.6g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 2.8g | 5g | 1.5g |
There’s something incredibly satisfying about when a gust of inspiration meets culinary tradition, resulting in a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the senses. One such dish, my Chinese Mallow with Oyster Sauce, beautifully marries Eastern flavors with a heartiness that calls to mind my Colorado roots. This dish is pure, gustatory joy, and I am excited to share why I cherish it.
A Recipe Rich in Texture and Flavor
Just as a long, exhausting mountain hike rekindles a deep appreciation for the delicate symphony of nature, making and eating this recipe evokes a similar balance and harmony. It marries earthy Chinese Mallow leaves, with the savoury depth of oyster sauce, and the hint of sweetness provided by a vibrant medley of fruit. Not only is the Chinese Mallow with Oyster Sauce a taste sensation, but the variety of textures from the leaves to the fruit to the sesame seeds, turns every bite into a delightful surprise.
The Healthy Choice Is Often Delicious
Aside from its phenomenal taste, I love this recipe for its health benefits. Chinese Mallow is known to be rich in vitamins A, C, K and dietary fiber, beneficial for the heart and overall health. In addition, the bell peppers in the recipe are a great source of vitamin C, while the sesame seeds offer heart-healthy fats. The fruits, depending on your selection, can provide a treasure trove of antioxidants, essential nutrients, and fiber. Yet, even with these healthful ingredients, there’s no compromise on flavor, something I sincerely appreciate.
For those who are fans of East Asian cuisine, this vegetable recipe shares similarities with stir-fried Bok Choy or Chinese Broccoli. With the oyster sauce providing that familiar umami flavor that’s characteristic of dishes from this region, I’m confident that this could easily become a favorite addition to your stir-fry repertoire. To enhance your dining experience further, I suggest pairing this with a simple steamed jasmine rice or perhaps a hearty Mao’erduo, a Chinese Steamed Roll.
I hope you’ll relish the incoming piquant delight—in the form of Chinese Mallow with Oyster Sauce—as it surely is a recipe of love, full of health benefits, and most importantly, impressively delicious. Just like the pride and joy I feel standing on a mountain peak, with the world revealed below, I promise you will experience similar elation, but for your taste buds. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 12 Chinese Mallow leaves
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mixed fruit (apples, strawberries, kiwis, or your choice), sliced
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by washing the Chinese Mallow leaves thoroughly and let them dry. Cut the bell pepper into small pieces, and slice your chosen fruits thinly. Set these all aside.
Step Two
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until it’s well blended and set it aside. This will be your flavor sauce.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and cook it until it’s golden brown and aromatic. Throw in the chopped bell pepper into the pan next and sauté it until it’s tender.
Step Four
Add the Chinese Mallow leaves to the pan and stir-fry for about a minute or until the leaves start to wilt. Pour the flavor sauce over the leaves and allow it to cook for another few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step Five
Now add the sliced fruits and white sugar into the pan and mix them well. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the fruits start to soften and the sugar is dissolved. Add salt to taste.
Step Six
Remove from heat. Garnish it with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your Chinese Mallow with Oyster Sauce!
