Shiitake and Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry: Simple Recipe for Family Meals

Looking for a light, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish to refresh your family meals? Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry is the perfect choice for you. This dish not only offers a fresh and delicious taste but also packs a lot of nutritional value beneficial for health. Let’s explore how to prepare this tasty meal through the article below.

Origin and significance of shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

The shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry may not have a long history like pho or bun cha, but it is an indispensable part of Vietnamese cuisine. It is a harmonious combination of two familiar ingredients: shiitake mushrooms – the “king of mushrooms” – and Chinese broccoli – a common, easy-to-grow vegetable rich in vitamins.

This combination not only creates a delicious flavor but also supplements essential nutrients, helping to balance the daily diet. Particularly, this dish is favored in vegetarian meals or on days when body cleansing is needed.

Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

Ingredients for shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

To prepare shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients:

• Shiitake mushrooms: 200g (dried or fresh, prefer dried for enhanced flavor).
• Chinese broccoli: 500g (choose young, vibrant green leaves with crisp stems).
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves.
• Shallots: 1 bulb.
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (if vegetarian), sugar, salt, ground black pepper.

Notes on selecting ingredients:

• Shiitake mushrooms: If using dried, choose those with a light brown color, thick caps, and no mold or unusual smell. For fresh, prefer unopened buds, not bruised.
• Chinese broccoli: Select those with dark green leaves, young stems, free from pests or yellowing.

Detailed instructions for preparing shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

Here are the steps to make shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

• Dried shiitake mushrooms: Soak in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until softened. Rinse, remove the stems, and drain. For fresh mushrooms, simply rinse and halve if large.
• Chinese broccoli: Wash thoroughly, cut into bite-sized pieces. If the stems are thick, split them to better absorb the seasonings.
• Garlic and shallots: Peel and mince finely.

Step 2: Stir-frying the shiitake mushrooms

• Sauté garlic and shallots in cooking oil over medium heat until fragrant.
• Add shiitake mushrooms to the pan, stir-fry quickly for about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Stir-fry evenly to let the mushrooms absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Stir-frying the Chinese broccoli

• Add Chinese broccoli to the pan with the mushrooms, stir-fry over high heat. Quickly stir-fry to maintain the crispness and vibrant green color.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can add a bit of vegetarian oyster sauce for a richer flavor. Finally, sprinkle with ground black pepper.

Step 4: Finishing and serving

• Turn off the heat and plate the dish. Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry is best enjoyed hot, with white rice or other vegetarian dishes.

Finished shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

Tips to make shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry more appealing

To achieve the best flavor, keep these tips in mind:

• Stir-fry mushrooms first: Shiitake mushrooms take longer to cook than Chinese broccoli, so stir-fry them separately first.
• Quick stir-fry over high heat: This helps the Chinese broccoli retain its crispness and vibrant color.
• Add sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil will enhance the aroma and richness of the dish.
• Choose quality soy sauce: Soy sauce plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor of the dish.

Variations for shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry

You can creatively vary shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry in many ways:

• Add vegetables: Combine with carrots, broccoli, or peas to enhance color and nutrition.
• Stir-fry with meat or seafood: Add beef, chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more substantial.
• Try other mushrooms: Besides shiitake, you can use straw mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or enoki mushrooms.

Nutritional value and health benefits

Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry is not only tasty but also offers numerous health benefits:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Chinese broccoli provides vitamins C, K, A, and fiber, while shiitake mushrooms are rich in B vitamins and selenium.
• Good for digestion: Fiber from Chinese broccoli and mushrooms improves bowel movement and prevents constipation.
• Supports weight loss: The dish is low in calories and high in fiber, suitable for those looking to maintain their weight.

According to nutritionist Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry is an ideal choice for a healthy meal, especially suitable for vegetarians.

Ways to enjoy and pair the dish

Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry can be flexibly paired with many other dishes:

• With hot rice: Combine with white rice for a simple yet nutritious meal.
• With braised dishes: Suitable with dishes like ginger-braised fish or braised pork.
• In vegetarian meals: An essential dish in a vegetarian spread, paired with tomato-sauced tofu or vegetarian spring rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should I use dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms?
Dried shiitake mushrooms have a more intense flavor, while fresh ones offer a natural crunch and sweetness. Choose based on your preference.

2. How to prevent Chinese broccoli from being bitter?
Choose young Chinese broccoli, wash thoroughly, and stir-fry quickly over high heat.

3. How long can the dish be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Shiitake and Chinese broccoli stir-fry is a simple yet nutritious dish, suitable for every family. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to prepare this dish. Try it out and share your cooking experience with us!

Don’t forget to visit Sổ Tay Món Ăn to discover more delicious recipes!