Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Pea Shoots
Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Pea Shoots (Chow Dau Miu) is a delightful and nutritious dish featuring the tender tops of pea plants known for their sweet, fresh flavor and vibrant color. These young pea shoots are a seasonal delicacy that's both easy to prepare and bursting with nutrition. Combined with aromatic ginger and garlic, this quick stir-fry highlights the natural sweetness of the greens, elevating them into a flavorful side dish or a light main course. Perfect for summer meals, this recipe brings a touch of garden-fresh flavor to your table, making it an ideal option for those seeking new ways to incorporate greens into their diet.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
Sesame oil
1 (teaspoon)
Fresh ginger
1 (tablespoon, minced)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
Sugar
1/2 (teaspoon)
Young pea shoots
1.5 (lbs, loosely packed)
Soy sauce
1/4 (teaspoon)
Oyster sauce
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the pea shoots thoroughly in cold water twice to remove any dirt or grit. After rinsing, gently drain them and set aside.
2
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over high heat until shimmering.
3
Add the minced ginger and garlic to the hot oil, stirring quickly to release their aroma, and cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
4
Stir in the sugar, allowing it to dissolve and meld with the oils and aromatics.
5
Add the rinsed pea shoots, then pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Toss gently to coat the shoots evenly with the sauce.
6
Continue to stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pea shoots are wilted and tender but still bright green.
7
Once cooked, remove the pea shoots from the wok and place them on a serving dish, leaving the liquid in the pan.
8
Reduce the remaining liquid in the pan by half over medium heat, creating a concentrated sauce.
9
Drizzle the reduced sauce over the pea shoots, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pea shoots?
Pea shoots, also known as Chow Dau Miu, are the tender young tops and leaves of pea plants, known for their sweet and fresh flavor.
How should I clean pea shoots before cooking?
Rinse the pea shoots thoroughly in cold water at least twice to ensure all dirt and grit are removed, then drain them gently.
What is the best way to cook pea shoots to keep them bright green?
Stir-fry them quickly over high heat for only 2 to 3 minutes until they are just wilted but still vibrant.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe?
Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil, will work for this stir-fry.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe uses oyster sauce; to make it strictly vegetarian or vegan, use a vegetarian mushroom-based stir-fry sauce instead.
What does ginger add to the stir-fry?
Fresh ginger provides a spicy, aromatic warmth that balances the natural sweetness of the pea shoots.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the minced garlic and ginger for only about 30 seconds in hot oil, stirring constantly to release their aroma without browning.
Why is sugar used in this recipe?
A small amount of sugar helps dissolve into the oils and meld with the aromatics to enhance the natural sweetness of the greens.
What is the purpose of sesame oil in this dish?
Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma and depth of flavor to the stir-fry.
Can I use a regular skillet if I do not have a wok?
Yes, a large skillet will work as long as it can be heated to a high temperature to ensure a quick stir-fry.
How do I make the sauce more concentrated?
After cooking the shoots, remove them from the pan and simmer the remaining liquid over medium heat until it reduces by half.
What is the flavor profile of Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Pea Shoots?
The dish features a sweet, fresh, and savory profile with strong notes of garlic and ginger and a hint of umami from the oyster sauce.
Are pea shoots nutritious?
Yes, pea shoots are a nutritious leafy green, rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
When is the best time of year to find pea shoots?
Pea shoots are often considered a seasonal delicacy, typically available during the spring and summer months.
Can I use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce?
The recipe uses both, but if you want to skip oyster sauce, you may need to increase the soy sauce or add a bit more sugar for balance.
Should I remove the stems of the pea shoots?
Young pea shoots have tender stems that are fully edible, so there is no need to remove them unless they feel particularly woody.
How many garlic cloves are needed for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 finely minced garlic cloves to provide a robust flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
While this recipe focuses on pea shoots, you can add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The actual stir-frying takes less than 5 minutes, making it a very quick side dish.
Is it okay to use frozen pea shoots?
Fresh pea shoots are highly recommended for this recipe as frozen ones would lose their crisp texture and vibrant color.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the stir-fried shoots immediately on a platter, drizzled with the reduced sauce from the pan.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.
What should the oil look like before adding aromatics?
The oil should be shimmering and very hot to ensure the ginger and garlic sizzle immediately upon contact.
Can I use ginger powder?
Fresh ginger is preferred for its texture and bright flavor, but 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder can be used in a pinch.
Why leave the liquid in the pan after removing the greens?
Leaving the liquid allows you to reduce it separately, creating a glaze-like sauce that won't overcook the delicate greens.
How much pea shoots do I need?
This recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of young pea shoots, measured loosely packed.
What if my pea shoots are very long?
You can cut them into 3 or 4-inch lengths to make them easier to stir-fry and eat.
Can I prep the garlic and ginger ahead of time?
Yes, mincing the aromatics in advance will make the high-speed stir-frying process much smoother.
Does this dish store well as leftovers?
It is best enjoyed immediately, as the greens may become soggy and lose their color if stored and reheated.
Is there a substitute for pea shoots?
If unavailable, baby spinach or water spinach (ong choy) can be prepared using the same garlic and ginger method.