Imagine a dish so quick, so fresh, and so incredibly delicious that it transforms ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience in just minutes! Pea shoots stir-fried with garlic are not just a side dish – they're a culinary revelation that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home cooking game. Packed with delicate flavor and nutritional goodness, this Chinese-inspired recipe is about to become your new go-to quick and healthy meal that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- pea shoots
- garlic, minced
- soy sauce
- vegetable oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the pea shoots thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain them well and set aside.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. This will release their flavor and ensure they cook quickly in the stir-fry.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking, which will help to achieve a nice sear on the pea shoots.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- After the garlic is fragrant, add the pea shoots to the skillet. Stir-fry them quickly for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and just tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the freshness of the pea shoots.
- While stir-frying, season the pea shoots with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit more flavor, you can also add 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce at this stage. Stir well to ensure the pea shoots are evenly coated.
- Once the pea shoots are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the stir-fried pea shoots to a serving dish.
- Serve the stir-fried pea shoots immediately as a side dish or over steamed rice for a light meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Always use the freshest pea shoots possible – look for bright green, crisp leaves without any yellowing or wilting.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens very quickly.
- Use a wok or wide skillet for the best heat distribution and quick cooking.
- Keep the heat high and move ingredients constantly to prevent burning.
- Don't overcook the pea shoots – they should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil just before serving.
- If you can't find pea shoots, tender spinach or baby bok choy make great substitutes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor – stir-fried vegetables don't hold well if left sitting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 88kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
