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 10/27/19
Stir- Fried Greens

Laurel Fan / Flickr.com / CC by-SA 2.0
  • Total: 15 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yield: serves 4 to 6

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

Ingredients

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil (such as 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.