Lettuce with Oyster Sauce Recipe
A quick and flavorful Chinese side dish featuring tender lettuce leaves in a savory oyster sauce glaze, enhanced with garlic for a delicious umami-packed experience.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb little gem lettuce (or romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce)
Sauce
- 1½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoon water
Other
- ½ tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash the lettuce thoroughly and separate the leaves. If the leaves are large, tear them into big pieces by hand to ensure even cooking and easier eating.
- Blanch the Lettuce: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then promptly turn off the heat. Submerge the lettuce leaves into the hot water and gently press them down using a spatula to keep them fully covered. Let them blanch for 10 to 20 seconds until just wilted. Drain well and transfer the lettuce onto a serving plate.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to create a smooth sauce mixture.
- Cook the Garlic and Thicken Sauce: Heat cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry until it turns slightly brown and fragrant. Turn off the heat, then quickly pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens due to the cornstarch, creating a glossy finish.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the thickened garlic sauce evenly over the blanched lettuce. Serve immediately to enjoy the tender texture and flavorful sauce at their best.
Notes
- Little gem lettuce is preferred for its texture, but romaine or iceberg lettuce can be substituted.
- Oyster sauce provides a distinctive umami flavor; vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives can be used for a vegetarian version.
- Do not over-blanch the lettuce to retain its crispness and vibrant color.
- Stirring the sauce off heat after frying garlic prevents the sauce from overcooking and becoming too thick.
Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/lettuce-with-oyster-sauce-recipe/
