Last week’s CSA share was full of leafy green surprises, not least of which was this beautiful choy sum, with its tiny yellow flowers and appearance similar to Chinese broccoli. I’m happy to say that within a week’s time I became a big fan of this veggie. Getting a farmer’s market vegetable share has been great for introducing me to new foods and cooking techniques over the years. I highly encourage it!
When I have no idea how to cook an unfamiliar veggie, I usually roast it or stir-fry it. Choy sum was no exception to this rule. With two full bunches, I had the chance to experiment a little bit and I’ve settled on a cooking and seasoning method that I’m happy with. This veggie comes in a few varieties, including a purple version, but I’m confident any of them will work with this simple stir-fry recipe.
MY LATEST VIDEOSChoy sum is well-known in Chinese cuisine, and perhaps (I hope!) also making it into the mainstream over here in the states. I’m sure I’ve probably come across it at H-Mart before, but this was my first time seeing it at the farmer’s market. And I absolutely love it!
The texture of choy sum is a lot like broccoli rabe but the flavor is much less bitter. It’s almost like a cross between broccoli rabe and bok choy. It’s a bit hard to describe the specific flavor of various leafy greens, though, so you may have to just take a leap of faith and try choy sum for yourself!
Aside from being delicious, choy sum is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, protein, calcium, and iron. It would be delicious served alongside some tofu bulgogi, General Tso’s chickpeas, or orange tofu!
Simple Stir-Fried Choy Sum
Choy sum, also known as choi sum / cai xin / Chinese flowering cabbage / gunsho, is a leafy green stir-fry vegetable that's kind of like a cross between bok choy and rapini. In this simple stir-fry dish, the choy sum is briefly blanched before hitting the pan at high heat with an easy garlic sauce. The resulting dish is delicious and nutritious and would be at home as a side to any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch choy sum (about 8 oz.)
- 1 tsp neutral oil (I used peanut oil)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (see notes)
- sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the choy sum into bite sized pieces, separating the thicker stems from the leafier parts, and wash it thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil; when boiling, add the stem pieces of the choy sum. Stir, and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until the stems are getting tender.
Add the leafier pieces, stir, and cook for another 45-60 seconds or until bright green. Drain the choy sum, run over it with cold water and drain again. Dry it out as much as you can, using a salad spinner or patting it dry with a towel.
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When hot, add the choy sum. It may splatter if there is any remaining water in it (i.e. if you don't have a salad spinner), so be careful. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds more, adding another splash of oil if needed. Finally, add the soy sauce and rice wine, and cook while stirring until excess liquid is evaporated. Season to taste with more salt, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
RICE WINE: Dry sherry is a good substitute for rice wine. And if you don't have either of those, use a clear spirit of some sort. I sometimes substitute plum brandy in recipes like this, with good results. If you don't use alcohol, use 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar and a pinch of some sort of sweetener.
Pssst… Looking for Chinese flowering cabbage, flowering pak choy, white flowering cabbage, tsoi sum, or Chinese soup green? You’re in the right place. This veggie goes by many names, partially due to disparate attempts to translate its name from the languages spoken in its native and nearby regions. (More information about that from Agriculture Victoria).
I'm Shannon, the writer and photographer of Yup, it's Vegan! I'm a morning person based in Baltimore, USA. My mission is to create healthy plant-based recipes that anyone would enjoy, using seasonal produce with inspiration from global flavors.
Yummy. I really want to eat it 🙂