Stir-Fry Lettuce

Written by
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
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Rhonda Parkinson
Updated 07/02/21
Stir- Fried Greens

Laurel Fan / Flickr.com / CC by-SA 2.0
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
53 Calories
4g Fat
4g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 53
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 283mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 3mg 15%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 143mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

As a rule, the Chinese do not eat raw vegetables, and lettuce is no exception. This is a great side dish for Lunar New Year, as lettuce is considered to be a "lucky" food. Learn how to make this simple Chinese dish in 4 easy steps. 

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Ingredients

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce

  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine, or dry sherry

  • 3/4 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or peanut oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced ginger

  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon  sesame oil (e.g., Kadoya)

Steps to Make It

  1. Wash the lettuce, drain and separate the leaves. It’s important to make sure the lettuce is dry). Cut across the leaves into pieces about 1 inch wide.

  2. Combine the rice wine or dry sherry, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl, stirring. Set aside.

  3. Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry until aromatic (5 to 10 seconds) and add the lettuce. Stir-fry the lettuce, sprinkling with the salt, for 1 to 2 minutes, until the leaves begin to wilt.

  4. Give the sauce a quick re-stir and swirl it into the wok. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the lettuce, turns dark green. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve immediately.