| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 15g | 2.5g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 10g | 9g | 1.8g |
I’ve always been a lover of food with a story, a history of sorts. More often than not, you’ll find me rustling up traditional Southern recipes with modern infusions, and this recipe is no exception. Today, I want to introduce you to the vibrant flavors of Steamed Chinese Mallow Leaves with Sesame Sauce. This vegetable-based treat draws inspiration from Asian culinary traditions, but with my added personal twist.
Health Benefits of Steamed Chinese Mallow Leaves with Sesame Sauce
One of the reasons why I love this recipe is its unbelievable health benefits. Chinese mallow, also known as Malva Verticillata, is known for its powerful medicinal properties (source). The plant is rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins, and when ingested, is believed to contribute to general wellness and reduced risk of chronic diseases. They are combined with the subtle heat of ginger and the strong aromatic flavor of garlic— both of which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits (source).
A Harmonious Fusion of Flavors
The Steamed Chinese Mallow Leaves with Sesame Sauce recipe pairs lush green Chinese mallow leaves steamed to perfection with a deliciously sticky and sweet sesame sauce— the ideal marriage of health and flavor. The rice vinegar provides acetic acid, which is believed to help control blood sugar levels (source), while the honey adds a natural sweetness, creating a balanced savory-sweet flavor profile.
This Asian-inspired dish is reminiscent of sautéed spinach with sesame seeds, a classic Korean side dish known as ‘sigeumchi namul.’ I also find it an exotic cousin to the Tex-Mex flavors I grew up with in Texas. The soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor, akin to robust Tex-Mex sauces.
Steamed Chinese Mallow Leaves with Sesame Sauce can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a stand-alone meal. You can pair it with a chili-infused tofu stir fry, orange-infused roasted duck, or even a spiced grilled steak for a complete meal.
From its captivating flavor profile to the fusion of culinary traditions and its immense health benefits, there are an abundance of reasons why I cherish this recipe. It’s more than a dish for me; it’s a celebration of culinary diversity and a testament to the wonders of wholesome, nutrient-rich food.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Chinese mallow leaves
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, toasted
- 6 cups of fruit of your choice, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Method
Step One
First, rinse the Chinese mallow leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Step Two
After cleaning the leaves, you need to steam them. Fill a pot with water until it’s about 2 inches deep, then place the leaves in a steamer basket over the pot. Cover the pot and let the leaves steam for about 5 minutes or until they’re tender. Once they’re done steaming, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
Step Three
Now, prepare the sesame sauce. In a bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water. Once dissolved, add this mixture to the sauce. The cornstarch will help thicken your sauce, giving it a nice, rich texture.
Step Five
Pour the sauce over the steamed Chinese mallow leaves. Toss the leaves gently to ensure they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
Step Six
Top the Chinese mallow leaves with toasted sesame seeds and serve with a side of your favorite fruit. Enjoy this tasty and healthy dish!
