The versatile and delicious Chinese green, choy sum, is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. With its mild flavor and tender texture, it’s no wonder why this leafy vegetable has won the hearts (and taste buds) of foodies around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a show-stopping main course, choy sum is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouth-watering choy sum recipes that will satisfy your cravings and inspire your cooking. From classic stir-fries to innovative fusion dishes, these recipes showcase the best of what choy sum has to offer. So without further ado, let’s dive into the wonderful world of choy sum cooking!
Garlic Stir-Fried Choy Sum
Choy sum, a type of Chinese broccoli, is stir-fried with garlic and served as a flavorful side dish or added to various Asian-inspired meals. This quick and easy recipe showcases the best of this underutilized vegetable.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (about 1 pound), cleaned and drained
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for added depth of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Cut the choy sum into 2-inch pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10-15 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the choy sum to the pan, stirring constantly.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the stems are slightly tender.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Choy Sum with Oyster Sauce
This classic Cantonese dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine, and this recipe showcases the sweet and savory flavors of choy sum (stir-fry greens) paired with oyster sauce. The result is a deliciously aromatic and easy-to-make side dish that complements many Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and drained
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup oyster sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add the choy sum; stir-fry until wilted (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the oyster sauce; stir-fry until the greens are well coated (1 minute).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spicy Szechuan Choy Sum
This recipe combines the crunchy texture of choy sum with the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine, creating a dish that’s both spicy and savory. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the choy sum and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds. Shock in an ice bath, then drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion; stir-fry until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the crushed Szechuan peppercorns and stir-fry for another minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the choy sum to the wok and stir-fry until coated with the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steamed Choy Sum with Ginger
This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of choy sum, a popular Asian green. With the warmth of ginger and a hint of garlic, this dish is perfect as a side or added to your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (about 4 cups)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the choy sum under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large steamer basket, combine the choy sum, ginger slices, and garlic.
3. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until the greens are tender but still crisp.
4. Remove from heat, season with salt to taste, and drizzle with vegetable oil.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Choy Sum and Mushroom Stir-Fry
This simple yet flavorful stir-fry combines the delicate flavor of choy sum with the earthy taste of mushrooms, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage), cleaned and chopped
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the choy sum and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Choy Sum in Garlic Butter Sauce
This simple yet flavorful recipe elevates the humble Chinese green, choy sum, to a new level of deliciousness. With its savory garlic butter sauce and tender vegetables, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (about 2 cups)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the choy sum and drain well.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the choy sum and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the choy sum and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the greens are tender.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Choy Sum with Fermented Tofu
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the delicate flavor of choy sum with the savory richness of fermented tofu. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup fermented tofu, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
– Pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the choy sum and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
4. Add the fermented tofu and stir-fry for another minute, breaking it up with a spatula as needed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Choy Sum and Shrimp Stir-Fry
This Chinese-inspired stir-fry is a flavorful and healthy meal option, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch Choy Sum (Asian greens), cleaned and chopped
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the Choy Sum to the pan; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until slightly wilted.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Braised Choy Sum with Garlic
This simple yet flavorful recipe showcases the tender, slightly bitter greens of choy sum, paired with the pungency of garlic. Perfect as a side dish or added to noodles or rice bowls.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum (about 4 cups), cleaned and drained
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add choy sum, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for about 4 minutes, or until the greens are slightly wilted.
4. Reduce heat to low and braise, covered, for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the choy sum is tender and caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Choy Sum Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the delicate flavors of choy sum, crunchy carrots, and tangy sesame dressing for a light and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and chopped
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine choy sum and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Add the sesame dressing to the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle vegetable oil over the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Choy Sum and Tofu Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of Asian flavors, featuring the delicate taste of choy sum (stir-fry greens) and the creaminess of firm tofu. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a nourishing and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and chopped
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped choy sum and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the tofu cubes and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Choy Sum with Black Bean Sauce
A classic Cantonese dish that combines the flavors of stir-fried Chinese greens (choy sum) with a savory and slightly sweet black bean sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup black beans, cooked and mashed
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add choy sum and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mashed black beans, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and cornstarch.
5. Add the black bean mixture to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Choy Sum and Beef Stir-Fry
This stir-fry recipe combines the tender crunch of choy sum with the rich flavor of beef, all cooked to perfection in a wok. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and drained
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove from wok and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the choy sum and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Return the beef to the wok and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and vegetable oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Choy Sum with Chili Oil
A classic Szechuan dish, Choy Sum with Chili Oil is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that showcases the delicate flavor of Chinese broccoli. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch Choy Sum (Chinese broccoli)
– 2 tablespoons chili oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, sesame oil, or other aromatics of your choice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the Choy Sum under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 15 seconds.
4. Add the Choy Sum to the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. After 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the chili oil and continue stirring for another minute.
6. Season with salt to taste, and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Choy Sum and Scallion Pancakes
These crispy and savory pancakes are a perfect accompaniment to your favorite stir-fry or noodle dish. The addition of choy sum and scallions gives them a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 bunch choy sum, chopped
– 1 scallion, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide dough into small balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
4. Brush the surface with vegetable oil. Top with chopped choy sum and scallion slices.
5. Fold the pancake in half and press edges to seal.
6. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium heat. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Choy Sum with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Choy Sum, a type of Chinese broccoli, is a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal. This simple stir-fry recipe brings out the best in this leafy green with the savory combination of garlic and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch Choy Sum (about 2 cups)
– 3 cloves Garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
– 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
– Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the Choy Sum into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Choy Sum and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
5. Pour soy sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Choy Sum and Egg Drop Soup
This classic Chinese soup is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, featuring the delicate flavor of choy sum (stir-fried Chinese greens) and the silky texture of egg drop. This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame oil, soy sauce, or chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Rinse the choy sum and separate the stems from the leaves.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stems and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
3. Push the stems to one side. Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and add the choy sum leaves. Stir-fry until wilted, about 30 seconds.
4. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly.
5. Gradually pour the chicken broth into the wok or skillet while whisking the eggs. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the egg mixture while stirring gently.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the soup has thickened slightly.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional flavorings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Choy Sum with Crispy Shallots
Choy sum, a type of Chinese flowering cabbage, pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of crispy shallots. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an accompaniment to your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch choy sum, cleaned and chopped
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, chili flakes, or soy sauce for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove the shallots from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
5. Add the chopped choy sum to the pan and stir-fry until it is tender but still crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Season with salt and any additional desired flavorings.
7. Serve the choy sum hot, topped with the crispy shallots.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these 18 mouth-watering Choy Sum recipes! From classic stir-fries to bold and spicy dishes, this versatile vegetable is sure to impress. Try Garlic Stir-Fried Choy Sum for a simple yet flavorful start, or opt for something more adventurous like Spicy Szechuan Choy Sum. Whether you’re in the mood for savory, sweet, or tangy, there’s a recipe here that suits your taste buds. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the endless possibilities of this underrated gem!
