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.
Keyword cai xin, Chinese Flowering Cabbage, choi sum, choy sum, gunsho
Prep Time 10minutes
Cook Time 10minutes
Total Time 20minutes
Servings 2servings
Calories 51kcal
Author Yup, it's Vegan
Ingredients
1bunchchoy sum(about 8 oz.)
1tspneutral oil(I used peanut oil)
1clovegarlicminced
1inchgingerminced
1/4tspred pepper flakes(or to taste)
1/2tbsplow-sodium soy sauce
1/2tbsprice 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.
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.