| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 70 | 5g | 1g | 4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 3g | 1g |
There’s something so simple yet captivating about Stir-Fried Pak Choy with Garlic and Chili. It’s one of those dishes that truly speaks to my Pacific Northwest upbringing and Japanese roots. A straightforward meal that shines a spotlight on its core ingredients, while offering a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western flavors.
The Unassuming Elegance of Pak Choy
Stir-Fried Pak Choy with Garlic and Chili is what I’d call a minimalist masterpiece, but don’t let its simplicity fool you. The earthy freshness of the pak choy, the fragrant garlic, and the fiery punch of chili pepper come together to create an enthralling harmony of flavors. And when you factor in the subtle hints of soy and oyster sauce, it elevates this humble vegetable dish to new, stratospheric dimensions of taste.
A similar dish you might be familiar with is Bok Choy stir-fry, but the Pak Choy variety does something really special here; it has a unique, buttery texture when cooked, that sets it apart from its cousins. This dish might work exceptionally well alongside Teriyaki Salmon or a sizzling platter of Miso Soup.
The Health Factor
But it’s not just about taste. This stir-fry is also power-packed with health benefits that align with my lifelong pursuit of culinary wellness. Pak choy, for instance, is a rich source of Vitamin A, C, and K, and is abundant in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Garlic, on the other hand, is known for its heart-healthy, immunity-boosting properties. Chillies? They’re champions of high metabolism and digestive health. And let’s not even get started on the well-documented health benefits of olive oil…
To sum it up, Stir-Fried Pak Choy with Garlic and Chili is more than just another recipe – it’s a statement. A testament to the magic that can be created when we let the natural flavors of ingredients take center stage, merge with an international palate, and at the same time contribute generously to your well-being. Each bite is a journey, a delicious exploration of global culinary fusion and a vibrant celebration of nutritious food.
What You’ll Need
- 6 heads of pak choy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the pak choy. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, ensuring to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off the base of the pak choy and separate the leaves.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced red chili pepper. Sauté for a few minutes, or until they start to sizzle and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step Three
Add the pak choy to the wok. Toss the greens in the oil to coat them evenly, then stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves start to wilt.
Step Four
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour this sauce over the pak choy in the wok.
Step Five
Add the water to the pan. Cover the wok with a lid and let the pak choy steam for a few minutes, or until the stalks become tender and the leaves are fully wilted.
Step Six
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything once again to combine well.
Step Seven
Transfer the stir-fried pak choy to a serving platter. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful Stir-Fried Pak Choy with Garlic and Chili as a side dish for your meal!
