| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 10g | 1.5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 3g | 1.2g |
Chinese Stir-fried Rapini has quickly become one of my go-to recipes, especially when I yearn for something vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious. Growing up in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, my cooking often involves hearty, robust dishes. However, this rapini dish offers a delightful departure from my usual fare, yet it’s still hearty in its own special way. I appreciate how the bold, slightly bitter taste of rapini melds seamlessly with the savory and sweet elements of the other ingredients.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way the garlic and ginger lay the foundation for the strong, earthy flavors of the rapini. The addition of red bell peppers and pineapple provides a delicate sweetness and a refreshing crunch that elevate the dish to a whole new level. The soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar bring a harmonious blend of salty, umami, and tangy notes. For that final touch of nuttiness, the sesame oil is a must. It really does make all the components sing together beautifully.
A Nutrient-Packed Dish
Besides being a tantalizing treat for the taste buds, Chinese Stir-fried Rapini is also fantastic for your health. Rapini, or broccoli rabe, is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as a host of minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. The vibrant vegetables offer a great source of fiber, and the ginger and garlic have their own immune-boosting properties.
Gordon and I often enjoy this dish on its own, but it’s versatile enough to pair with other meals. We sometimes add a side of steamed jasmine rice or even use it as a topping for a warm, comforting bowl of ramen – another favorite in our kitchen. If you’re a fan of dishes like General Tso’s Chicken or Mongolian Beef but want a lighter, plant-based alternative, this recipe is sure to please.
If you’re looking for more inspiration or want to explore similar recipes, you might enjoy browsing through Serious Eats or Bon Appétit. They offer a fantastic array of dishes that can complement your stir-fried rapini or inspire you to tweak and create your own versions.
Whether you’re an avid lover of Chinese cuisine or just someone looking to expand your culinary horizons, Chinese Stir-fried Rapini is a dish that won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and let the bold flavors transport you to a place of culinary delight!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lb Rapini (broccoli rabe), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 1 Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1.5 tsp Sugar
- 1 cup Fresh pineapple, diced
- 2 Green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Method
Step One
Blanch the rapini in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step Three
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step Four
Add the blanched rapini to the skillet and stir-fry with the other vegetables for about 3-4 minutes.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
Step Six
Add the diced fresh pineapple and sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well-mixed and heated through.
Step Seven
If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Continue to stir-fry for another minute.
Step Eight
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve hot. Enjoy your Chinese Stir-fried Rapini!
