When I cook Chinese food at home, I usually have at least three different dishes. We eat family style, unless I’m serving individual noodle soup. Chinese dinner typically consists of side dishes that hit all the food groups. So, I always make one of my dishes a vegetable dish. This method of cooking Chinese vegetables was taught to me by my grandmother. It only takes five minutes and three ingredients! Often, Chinese vegetable dishes are stir fried; occasionally they are steamed. However, in this recipe, they are boiled.
Why boil Chinese veggies?
- I’m often using my wok to stir fry the other dishes, and I want to multitask.
- You use less oil.
- It ensures that any thick stalks of veggies will be cooked through.
- It’s faster than steaming.
What kind of Chinese vegetables should you use?
You really can use ANY vegetable, and they don’t necessarily have to be Chinese. I tend to like this method of cooking with vegetables that have a thick stem and a leafy green part. Here are some that I frequently use:
- Bok choy
- Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Yu choy sum
Are you ready to make these quick and easy Chinese veggies? Here you go!
5 Minute Chinese Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Chinese vegetables of choice (yu choy sum, bok choy, broccoli, etc.)
- salted water for boiling
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- oyster sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
- Put in vegetables. If using a vegetable with a long stalk and leafy greens, put the stalk side down first.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until the stalk can be pierced through with a fork easily.
- Remove from heat, add oil directly into the pot.
- Fish out the veggies with tongs and place them on your serving plate. Top with just a sprinkle of oyster sauce. You’re done!
The oyster sauce is optional, but I think it adds a depth of flavor and sweetness that balances out the salt. You can also use hoisin sauce or black bean sauce or Chinese chili sauce – whatever suits you!
Hope you try it out! Let me know how it goes! If you’re looking for another side dish to go with your vegetables, check out this egg drop soup recipe. I’ll be adding more Chinese dishes to the blog, so keep an eye on my savory recipes list.