| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 160 | 7g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 6g | 0.7g |
Today, I want to share a recipe close to my heart – Tatsoi Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger. This dish is a splendid collage of vibrant vegetables coupled with the healthy kick of garlic and the piquant jolt of fresh ginger. What makes it special for me is the perfect amalgamation of the warm flavors I was brought up with in Atlanta, and the tantalizing spices my Nigerian parents introduced me to.
A Medley of Crunch and Spice
Fresh, crisp vegetables like red bell peppers, onions, and snow peas give this dish its satisfying crunch, whereas the tatsoi, a leafy green rich in vitamins introduces a unique bitter undertone. Tatsoi, also known as Asian Spinach, is known for its high nutrient content, particularly Vitamins C, A, and K, and iron. Don’t be surprised if the nutty flavor of bamboo shoots and the unique texture of water chestnuts sneak up on you – they add a delightful complexity to the Tatsoi Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger.
A Nod to Afro-Southern Fusion
Being an avid champion of Afro-Southern fusion, I love adding twists to traditional recipes. Combining the African heat of ginger with the classic Southern ingredients like garlic and bell peppers, replicated those Sunday family dinners, where we’d encase love and laughter in steamy, bursting-at-the-seams pots of food.
The transformative power of the soy sauce and oyster sauce shouldn’t be underestimated either. These tangy, umami-rich liquids coax the best out of the vegetables, while their sodium content lends the dish a restaurant-like savory edge. If you ask me, the balancing act between the sauce’s robustness and the vegetables’ crunch is what sets this stir fry apart.
Health Benefits of Garlic and Ginger
Not only is this dish a flavor bomb, but the usage of garlic and ginger brings a myriad of health benefits to the table. Besides being a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, garlic is known to play a significant role in heart health thanks to its high antioxidant levels. The ginger, on the other hand, is renowned for its nausea-fighting capabilities and its potential benefits for those suffering from osteoarthritis. This is the epitome of a guilt-free indulgence!
Not to mention, this recipe complements a number of dishes! When served alongside grilled poultry or gingery salmon, this stir fry truly shines. It’s a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal it’s a part of.
I hope you enjoy this Tatsoi Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger as much as I do, and may it remind you of warm kitchens, nourishing meals, and families gathered in mirthful union, just as it does for me.
What You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
- 12 cups of fresh tatsoi, washed and chopped
- 1 cup of snow peas, sliced diagonally
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 cup of straw mushrooms, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 ounces) of bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup of cold water
- 1 bunch of green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir fry for about 30 seconds to unleash their flavors but be careful not to burn them.
Step Two
Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion to the wok. Continue to stir fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables have softened slightly.
Step Three
Add the chopped tatsoi, sliced snow peas, julienned carrots, straw mushrooms, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots to the wok. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and continue to stir fry for another 5-6 minutes.
Step Four
Next, stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Then, pour in the cornstarch mixture. This will help to thicken the sauce. Continue to stir fry until all the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 more minutes.
Step Five
Remove from the heat and sprinkle over the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds as garnish. Serve the Tatsoi Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger immediately while it’s still hot. Enjoy your meal!
