Side Dish

Stir-fried Lettuce with Oyster Sauce

Name: Stir-fried Lettuce with Oyster Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 300 g romaine lettuce rough chopped; 2 clove garlic minced; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp water; 0.5 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

This vibrant Chinese stir-fried lettuce offers a delightful balance of crisp texture and savory umami. Fresh romaine is quickly cooked with aromatic garlic and coated in a rich oyster sauce, creating a light yet flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any Asian-inspired meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 15 min
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 112 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten, molluscs, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

300 gromaine lettuce, rough chopped
2 clovegarlic, minced
2 tbspoyster sauce
1 tspsoy sauce
2 tbspwater
0.5 tspsesame oil
1 tbspvegetable oil

Equipment

Wok · Large skillet (optional) · Small mixing bowl · Whisk · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Spatula or wok shovel

The method

Step by step

1
Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the lettuce is well-drained or gently patted dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
2
Roughly chop the washed romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in length.
About 1 min
3
Mince the garlic cloves finely.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For a milder garlic flavor, you can thinly slice the garlic instead of mincing.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil until well combined and smooth.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Taste the sauce and adjust the soy sauce or oyster sauce to your preference; some brands are saltier than others.
5
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until a wisp of smoke appears.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A properly heated wok ensures quick cooking and a smoky 'wok hei' flavor.
6
Add the vegetable oil to the hot wok, swirling to coat the surface.
7
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the dish, so watch it closely.
8
Add the chopped lettuce to the wok and stir-fry vigorously for 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly, until it just begins to wilt but still retains a pleasant crispness.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Avoid overcooking the lettuce; the goal is to soften it slightly while maintaining its vibrant green color and crunch. If your wok is small, cook the lettuce in two batches to prevent overcrowding.
9
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the stir-fried lettuce.
10
Toss quickly for another 30 seconds to coat all the lettuce pieces thoroughly with the sauce.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all the lettuce is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
11
Immediately transfer the stir-fried lettuce to a serving dish.
12
Serve hot as a delicious and healthy side dish.

Per serving

Nutrition

67%Score

Calories: 111.9kcal
Protein: 2.7g
Carbs: 7.8g
Fat: 8.6g
Fibre: 2.1g
Sugar: 2.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

This quick and easy side dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with richer main courses like roasted meats, grilled fish, or other stir-fries. For a vegetarian option, use a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.

Storage

Store any leftover stir-fried lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Reheating may cause the lettuce to become overly soft. If necessary, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until just heated through.