Chinese Lettuce with Oyster Sauce Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
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1 head of Chinese lettuce (or any tender lettuce like butter lettuce or iceberg), washed and separated into leaves 🥬
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil 🛢️
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2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce 🦪
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) 🍶
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1/2 teaspoon sugar 🍯
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for added flavor) 🛢️
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1/4 cup water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
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A pinch of white pepper or black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
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Toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lettuce:
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Wash the lettuce thoroughly and cut it into large pieces, keeping the leaves whole if they are large or tearing them into smaller sections. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and 1/4 cup of water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and set the sauce aside.
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If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir-Fry the Lettuce:
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Add the lettuce to the pan, stirring quickly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the lettuce begins to wilt and become tender but still retains its vibrant color.
5. Add the Sauce:
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Pour the prepared oyster sauce mixture over the cooked lettuce. Stir well to coat the lettuce evenly with the sauce.
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If you’re using the cornstarch slurry, add it now and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
6. Final Touches:
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Drizzle the sesame oil (if using) over the dish and sprinkle with white pepper or black pepper to taste.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
7. Serve:
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Serve the Chinese lettuce with oyster sauce hot as a side dish to your main meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and other Asian dishes like stir-fries, grilled meats, or noodles.
Tips & Variations
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Other Greens: If you can’t find Chinese lettuce, you can substitute with other tender leafy greens like bok choy, spinach, or even baby kale.
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More Vegetables: For added texture and flavor, try adding thinly sliced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish.
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Spicy Option: Add a sliced red chili or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, stir-fry the lettuce and add the sauce just before serving.
Q2: Is there a vegetarian alternative to oyster sauce?
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Yes! You can use mushroom-based oyster sauce or a vegan oyster sauce alternative made from mushrooms, which offers a similar umami flavor without using seafood.
Q3: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
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Yes! If you can’t find Chinese lettuce, you can substitute with other tender, mild lettuce like butter lettuce, Romaine, or even iceberg lettuce.
Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?
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Yes! To make it a more complete meal, you can add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to the stir-fried lettuce. Simply cook the protein separately and combine it with the lettuce and sauce towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
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Rice: Serve this dish with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Main Dishes: This Chinese lettuce with oyster sauce pairs well with other Chinese-inspired dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, or even a simple stir-fry.
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Soup: Pair it with a light soup like hot and sour soup or wonton soup for a complete meal.