Crispy Lettuce Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce: A Quick & Delicious Side Dish
Crispy Lettuce Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce: A Quick & Delicious Side Dish
Chef Lee Yeon-bok’s Recipe for Leftover Lettuce: A Healthy & Flavorful Oyster Sauce Stir-Fry for Diet and Side Dishes
Don’t let leftover lettuce from salads go to waste! Transform it into a delicious side dish with this quick oyster sauce stir-fry recipe, inspired by Chef Lee Yeon-bok. The savory combination of oyster sauce and fish sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor that’s perfect with rice. It’s a healthy and satisfying option, even for those on a diet. Try this simple yet special recipe for a delightful twist on lettuce!
Main Ingredients- Lettuce 200g
- Olive oil, for cooking
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Do you often find yourself with a half-used head of lettuce from salads or wraps, unsure of how to use it up? Worry no more! Here’s a fantastic recipe for a delicious stir-fried side dish that uses up leftover lettuce in just 5 minutes. Give your leftover greens a delicious new life.
Step 2
Gently separate the lettuce leaves and wash them thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry lightly. Then, tear or cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm wide, for easy stir-frying.
Step 3
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry gently until fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want a rich, mellow aroma.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add all the prepared lettuce to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly. The key here is to maintain the lettuce’s crispiness. Avoid overcooking, as it can release too much water and make the lettuce soggy. High heat and a short cooking time are essential.
Step 5
As soon as the lettuce begins to wilt slightly, add the oyster sauce (1 Tbsp), fish sauce (1 Tbsp), and sesame oil (1 Tbsp). Stir quickly to combine all the seasonings. While you can substitute soy sauce for oyster sauce if you prefer, the deep umami of oyster sauce pairs wonderfully with lettuce. If the oyster sauce flavor is too strong for your liking, feel free to adjust the amount or use a mix of soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry for just another 1-2 minutes until the seasonings are well distributed. Stir-frying quickly over high heat ensures the lettuce stays crisp and doesn’t become watery. Even though it might seem slightly undercooked, the thin lettuce leaves will continue to soften from residual heat.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and a scattering of sesame seeds for garnish. (Note: In the photo, some water accumulated because the cooking was paused for the shot. To achieve a perfectly dry stir-fry, ensure you cook quickly over high heat just before removing from the pan.)
Step 8
And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly delicious stir-fried lettuce with oyster sauce! Did you know you can also blanch lettuce and toss it like spinach? Explore different ways to use up your leftover lettuce. Enjoy this dish for a delightful meal with its refreshing crunch and savory flavor!
