Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms – Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe

Stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals, easy to make and nutritious. However, not everyone knows how to cook this dish so that the choy sum remains vibrant green, crisp, and infused with the distinctive aroma of shiitake mushrooms. Let’s explore the secrets to cooking restaurant-quality stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms right at home!

Why Is Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms Loved?

Stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms is not only a simple dish but also embodies the rich flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of the sweet, refreshing taste of choy sum and the unique aroma of shiitake mushrooms creates a harmonious, easy-to-eat dish suitable for all ages.

Particularly, this is also a light vegetarian dish, ideal for those looking to lose weight or simply wanting to change up their family meal. With a simple yet meticulous preparation method, this dish is sure to make you proud when showcasing your cooking skills.

Ingredients Needed for Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

To make a delicious stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms, choosing fresh ingredients is crucial. Here is the list of necessary ingredients:

• Choy sum: 1 bunch (about 300-400g). Choose young choy sum with vibrant green leaves and fresh white stems, free from wilting.
• Shiitake mushrooms: 10-15 dried mushrooms or 200g fresh mushrooms. Dried mushrooms need to be soaked until soft before cooking.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves. Use local garlic for enhanced flavor.
• Shallot: 1 small bulb (optional).
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, fish sauce, seasoning powder, sugar, ground pepper, oyster sauce (optional).

Tips for choosing ingredients:

• Choy sum: Prioritize young choy sum with white-green stems and leaves free from pests. Young choy sum is crisper and sweeter than mature ones.
• Shiitake mushrooms: If using dried mushrooms, choose dark brown ones with thick caps and a distinctive aroma. For fresh mushrooms, select those with closed caps, not fully opened.

Stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Dried shiitake mushrooms: Soak in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, rinse, remove the stems, and squeeze out excess water. Save the soaking water for seasoning the dish.
• Fresh shiitake mushrooms: Gently rinse under running water, remove the stems, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Choy sum: Remove the tough ends, rinse, and cut into manageable pieces. Optionally, blanch briefly in salted boiling water to maintain the vibrant green color.
• Garlic and shallot: Peel and finely chop.

Step 2: Stir-Frying the Shiitake Mushrooms

• Sauté the garlic and shallot in cooking oil until fragrant.
• Add the shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry, seasoning with a bit of seasoning powder and fish sauce. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Stir-Frying the Choy Sum

• Add the choy sum to the pan and quickly stir-fry over high heat.
• Season with fish sauce, seasoning powder, and sugar. If desired, add a bit of oyster sauce for enhanced flavor.
• Stir-fry until the choy sum is cooked but still crisp and vibrant green.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish

• Sprinkle ground pepper on top, turn off the heat, and serve on a plate.
• The dish is perfect when the choy sum is vibrant green, crisp, and sweet, and the shiitake mushrooms are aromatic and flavorful.

Finished stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms

Secrets to Making Restaurant-Quality Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

1. Choose fresh ingredients: Young choy sum and quality shiitake mushrooms are key.
2. Stir-fry quickly over high heat: This helps the choy sum retain its green color and crispness.
3. Use the mushroom soaking water: The settled mushroom soaking water can be used for seasoning, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
4. Add sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil at the end will make the dish more aromatic and delicious.

Creative Variations for Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

If you want to refresh this dish, try these variations:

• With beef: Add thinly sliced beef for a richer flavor.
• With shrimp: Fresh or dried shrimp pairs well with stir-fried choy sum and shiitake mushrooms.
• Vegetarian version: Use vegetarian oyster sauce and add tofu or bean curd sticks.
• Thai style: Add chili, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves for a spicy and tangy flavor.

Nutritional Value of Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

Both choy sum and shiitake mushrooms are nutrient-rich ingredients:

• Choy sum: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals like calcium and potassium.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Contain protein, B vitamins, fiber, and minerals like iron and zinc.

This combination creates a nutritionally balanced dish that is good for health and the immune system.

Ways to Enjoy Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

• With white rice: This is the most common way to enjoy it.
• With savory dishes: Pairs well with dishes like braised pork or fish to balance flavors.
• In a vegetarian meal: A light and nutritious vegetarian dish.
• As an appetizer: Suitable for parties to stimulate the appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Shiitake Mushrooms

1. How to prevent choy sum from becoming bitter?

Choose young choy sum, rinse thoroughly, and stir-fry quickly over high heat.

2. Are dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms better?

Both are delicious, depending on preference. Dried mushrooms are more aromatic, while fresh ones are crisper and sweeter.

3. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely, if using vegetarian seasonings.

Conclusion

Stir-fried choy sum with shiitake mushrooms is a simple yet nutritious dish that easily wins over the taste buds of every family member. We hope this article has provided you with useful tips to cook this dish deliciously and beautifully. Save the recipe and make it regularly to enrich your family meals!

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