Garlic Oyster Sauce Chinese Choy Sum Recipe
A simple and delicious Chinese Choy Sum recipe featuring lightly boiled choy sum tossed in a savory garlic oyster sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe highlights the fresh flavors and crisp texture of the leafy vegetable making it a perfect quick side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb choy sum (aka yu choi or yu choy sum)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for sautéing garlic)
- 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water (divided between boiling and sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Cook the Choy Sum: In a medium pot, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the choy sum and boil for 1-2 minutes until the leaves soften but the stems stay slightly crisp. Drain the choy sum and transfer to a serving plate.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, remaining water (from the 1/4 cup total), sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat, pour in the prepared sauce mixture, and cook for about 30 seconds or until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Serve: Pour the hot garlic-oyster sauce evenly over the plated choy sum. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the choy sum; the stems should retain some crunch for the best texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce.
- The cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the sauce slightly for better coating.
- Serve this dish as a healthy side with rice and other Chinese dishes.
