How to Make Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic: A Simple Guide to a Delicious Side Dish

Stir-fried pea shoots with garlic – a dish that sounds simple, but explodes with fresh, vibrant flavors. This quick and easy side dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and for good reason! It’s light, healthy, and incredibly delicious. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

What are Pea Shoots?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star ingredient: pea shoots. These tender greens are the young leaves and tendrils of the pea plant, harvested before the peas themselves develop. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that’s reminiscent of fresh peas, but with a unique grassy note.

Pea shoots are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, making them a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s gather our ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound pea shoots, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• A splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for added umami

Equipment:

• A large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions:

1. Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic and set aside. Rinse the pea shoots thoroughly under cold water and drain well.

2. Heat the pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Add the pea shoots: Add the pea shoots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are wilted but still bright green and slightly crisp.

5. Season to taste: Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, soy sauce, or oyster sauce. Toss to combine.

6. Serve immediately: Transfer the stir-fried pea shoots to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a side dish with your favorite protein and rice.

Stir-fried Pea Shoots with Garlic

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stir-Fried Pea Shoots:

• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the pea shoots to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t Overcook: Pea shoots are best when they’re still slightly crisp. Overcooked pea shoots will become mushy and lose their vibrant color.
• Get Creative with Flavor: While this recipe focuses on the classic garlic flavor, feel free to experiment with other aromatics like ginger, shallots, or chilies.

FAQs about Stir-Fried Pea Shoots:

• Can I use frozen pea shoots? Fresh pea shoots are always best, but you can use frozen pea shoots in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before stir-frying.
• What can I serve with stir-fried pea shoots? This versatile side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s delicious with grilled chicken or fish, tofu, or even a simple bowl of rice.

Conclusion:

Stir-fried pea shoots with garlic is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Give this recipe a try tonight, and be sure to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below!

Pea Shoots in Wok

Looking for more delicious stir-fry recipes? Check out our guide on How to Make Stir-fried Bamboo Shoots with Chicken.