Stir-Fried Sichuan Pea Shoots with Garlic & Spice
Sichuan Pea Shoots are a delightful and aromatic vegetable dish that brings vibrant flavors to any meal. The tender pea shoots are stir-fried with fragrant slivered garlic and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a perfect complement to grilled meats or as a light main when paired with shrimp and served over fluffy brown rice. For an even deeper flavor, consider adding Sichuan peppercorns. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packs a nutritional punch, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray
as needed (none)
Garlic cloves
3 medium (slivered)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pea shoots
1 lb (cut into large bunches, rinsed)
Reduced sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Rice vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing your ingredients: rinse the pea shoots under cold water and set them aside to drain. Slice the garlic into thin slivers.
2
2. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Generously spray the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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3. Once the pan is hot, add the slivered garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic turns golden but does not burn.
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4. Add the drained pea shoots to the wok. Continuously stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes, or until the shoots begin to wilt and turn a bright green.
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5. Pour in the reduced sodium soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss the pea shoots in the sauce, allowing the mixture to bubble slightly for 1-2 minutes, which will infuse the flavors.
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6. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your stir-fried pea shoots alongside grilled meats or as part of a delightful rice bowl.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for this Sichuan Pea Shoots recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of pea shoots, 3 medium garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cooking spray.
How should I prepare the garlic for this stir-fry?
The garlic should be sliced into thin slivers before cooking.
Is this Sichuan Pea Shoots recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it consists of vegetables, plant-based seasonings, and vinegar.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free; however, ensure you use a gluten-free certified reduced sodium soy sauce.
How long does it take to cook the pea shoots?
The pea shoots are stir-fried for approximately 3 minutes until they wilt, followed by another 1-2 minutes after adding the sauce.
What is the best way to prevent the pea shoots from sticking to the wok?
Generously spray the large wok or skillet with cooking spray once it is hot.
What should the texture and color of the pea shoots be when finished?
The pea shoots should be bright green and wilted, maintaining a tender yet delightful texture.
Can I add more spice to this dish?
Yes, for a deeper flavor and more heat, you can add Sichuan peppercorns as suggested in the description.
What can I serve with Stir-Fried Sichuan Pea Shoots?
This dish is a perfect complement to grilled meats or can be served as a light main with shrimp over fluffy brown rice.
How long should I stir-fry the garlic and red pepper flakes?
Stir-fry the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns golden, being careful not to burn it.
What temperature should I use for stir-frying?
You should use high heat for both the wok and the stir-frying process.
Do I need to rinse the pea shoots?
Yes, rinse the pea shoots under cold water and allow them to drain before adding them to the wok.
What type of soy sauce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for reduced sodium soy sauce to manage salt content.
What is the role of rice vinegar in this recipe?
Rice vinegar is added at the end to infuse the shoots with flavor and provide a slight acidic balance.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the recipe uses 1 lb of pea shoots, which typically serves 2 to 4 people as a side dish.
Can I use this recipe as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as part of a rice bowl or paired with shrimp to create a light main meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutritious vegetable dish that is quick to prepare.
How much red pepper flakes should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
What should I do if the sauce doesn't bubble?
Ensure your wok is on high heat; the sauce should bubble slightly for 1-2 minutes to properly infuse the flavors.
How do I cut the pea shoots?
The pea shoots should be cut into large bunches after rinsing.
Can I use a regular skillet if I don't have a wok?
Yes, a large skillet can be used as an alternative to a wok for this stir-fry.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
For the best texture and flavor, it should be served immediately while hot.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy side dish and involves straightforward stir-frying steps.
What does the cooking spray do in this recipe?
Cooking spray is used as a low-fat way to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the high-heat surface.
Can I substitute rice vinegar with another type?
While rice vinegar is recommended for its specific flavor, you could use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch, though the taste will vary.
How do I know the garlic is done?
The garlic is done when it turns a golden color, which usually takes about 30 seconds.
Are there any suggested variations for this recipe?
The description suggests adding Sichuan peppercorns or pairing the shoots with shrimp and brown rice.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the vegetable and plant-based ingredients list, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
What makes this dish 'Sichuan' style?
The use of garlic, red pepper flakes, and the optional addition of Sichuan peppercorns gives it its signature Sichuan aromatic flavor profile.