Cooking Choy Sum with Oyster Sauce: A Delicious and Easy Chinese Recipe

Choy sum, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, is a popular Asian green that is widely used in Chinese cuisine. It has a mild flavor and a delicate texture, making it a great addition to many dishes. One of the most popular ways to cook choy sum is with oyster sauce, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the vegetable. In this article, we will show you how to cook choy sum with oyster sauce, including the ingredients and equipment you will need, step-by-step instructions, and some tips and variations to help you get the best results.

Ingredients and Equipment

To cook choy sum with oyster sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 bunch of choy sum
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of water

You will also need the following equipment:

• A large wok or frying pan with a non-stick surface
• A cutting board
• A knife
• A measuring cup
• A spoon and spatula for stirring and serving

Choosing the Right Choy Sum

When choosing choy sum, look for bunches with bright green leaves and a firm, compact head. Avoid bunches with wilted or yellowing leaves, as they may be past their prime. You can find choy sum at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.

Preparing the Choy Sum

To prepare the choy sum, start by rinsing it under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim the ends of the stems and remove any tough or damaged leaves. Cut the choy sum into 2-inch pieces, separating the leaves from the stems. Set the leaves aside and cut the stems into 1-inch pieces.

Cooking the Choy Sum

Now that you have prepared the choy sum, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking choy sum with oyster sauce:

Step 1: Heat the Wok or Frying Pan

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Choy Sum Stems

Add the choy sum stems to the wok or frying pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Step 3: Add the Choy Sum Leaves

Add the choy sum leaves to the wok or frying pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are wilted and tender.

Step 4: Add the Oyster Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Pour the mixture over the choy sum and stir-fry for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened and the choy sum is well coated.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the choy sum with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you get the best results when cooking choy sum with oyster sauce:

Using Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger adds a bright, spicy flavor to the dish. To use fresh ginger, simply peel and grate it using a microplane or fine grater.

Adding Aromatics

Aromatics like garlic and ginger add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also add other aromatics like onions, shallots, or lemongrass to the stir-fry.

Using Different Types of Oyster Sauce

There are many different types of oyster sauce available, ranging from light and delicate to dark and savory. Experiment with different types of oyster sauce to find the one that you like best.

Adding Protein

You can add protein like chicken, beef, or tofu to the stir-fry to make it more substantial. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the choy sum and oyster sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Choy sum with oyster sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish: Choy sum with oyster sauce makes a great side dish for Chinese meals. Simply serve it alongside your favorite Chinese dishes.
• Serve as a main course: You can also serve choy sum with oyster sauce as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles.
• Add to noodle dishes: Choy sum with oyster sauce is a great addition to noodle dishes like lo mein or chow mein.

Nutritional Information

Choy sum with oyster sauce is a nutritious and healthy dish that is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Here is the nutritional information for the recipe:

Conclusion

Cooking choy sum with oyster sauce is a simple and delicious way to prepare this popular Asian green. With its mild flavor and delicate texture, choy sum is a great addition to many dishes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a tasty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or add it to noodle dishes, choy sum with oyster sauce is sure to be a hit.

What is Choy Sum and where can I find it?

Choy Sum, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, is a type of Asian green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a mild flavor and a delicate texture, making it a great addition to many dishes. You can usually find Choy Sum at Asian grocery stores or some well-stocked supermarkets.

If you’re having trouble finding Choy Sum, you can also try looking for it under different names, such as “cai xin” or “choy sum”. Some stores may also carry it in the frozen food section, which can be just as good as fresh. If all else fails, you can try substituting it with other Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan.

What is oyster sauce and is it necessary for this recipe?

Oyster sauce is a savory condiment made from oyster extract, sugar, water, and sometimes cornstarch. It has a rich, umami flavor that is commonly used in Chinese cooking to add depth and complexity to dishes. In this recipe, oyster sauce is used to add flavor to the Choy Sum, but it’s not strictly necessary.

If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with other seasonings like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or even just salt and pepper. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you can also try using mushroom-based sauces or other plant-based seasonings.

How do I prepare Choy Sum for cooking?

To prepare Choy Sum for cooking, simply rinse it under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim off the ends of the stems and separate the leaves from the stems. You can use both the leaves and stems in this recipe, but make sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.

It’s also a good idea to blanch the Choy Sum in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before stir-frying it. This helps to remove any bitterness and makes the vegetable more tender. After blanching, immediately plunge the Choy Sum into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its color.

Can I use other seasonings besides oyster sauce and garlic?

While oyster sauce and garlic are the primary seasonings used in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other seasonings to give the dish your own flavor. Some options you might consider include ginger, chili flakes, or fermented bean paste. You can also try adding other aromatics like onions or shallots to the stir-fry.

Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasonings according to your personal taste preferences. You can always add more seasonings, but it’s harder to remove excess seasoning from the dish. Also, keep in mind that some seasonings may change the character of the dish, so it’s up to you to decide what flavors you want to emphasize.

How do I prevent the Choy Sum from becoming overcooked?

To prevent the Choy Sum from becoming overcooked, it’s essential to stir-fry it quickly over high heat. This helps to preserve the vegetable’s texture and color. Make sure to chop the Choy Sum into small pieces so it cooks evenly, and don’t overcrowd the wok or pan.

Also, be sure to monitor the heat and adjust it as needed. If the Choy Sum starts to look wilted or mushy, it’s likely overcooked. You can try adding a little more oil to the pan to revive it, but it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking.

Can I serve Choy Sum with oyster sauce as a main dish?

While Choy Sum with oyster sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish, it’s typically served as a side dish or accompaniment to other Chinese dishes. This is because the portion size is usually small, and the dish is meant to be part of a larger meal.

However, if you want to serve it as a main dish, you can definitely do so. Just be sure to add some protein sources like meat, poultry, or tofu to make the dish more substantial. You can also try adding other vegetables or grains to round out the meal.

How do I store leftover Choy Sum with oyster sauce?

If you have leftover Choy Sum with oyster sauce, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.

When you’re ready to reheat the dish, simply stir-fry it again in a little oil until it’s warmed through. You can also try reheating it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the dish. If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a day, you can also try freezing the dish for up to a month.