Choy Sum Vegetarian Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Choy sum, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, is a delightful leafy green vegetable that’s both nutritious and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more greens to your diet, this choy sum vegetarian recipe is a fantastic choice.

With its tender stems and delicate leaves, choy sum cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.

In a spot on your plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This choy sum vegetarian recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare — you can have a delicious and healthy side dish ready in under 15 minutes.

The natural sweetness of the choy sum is enhanced by a subtle garlic-soy sauce glaze, bringing out a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.

Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you want to keep it simple or add your favorite ingredients like tofu or mushrooms, it’s easy to tailor to your taste preferences.

It’s also gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Finally, it’s a great way to enjoy a lesser-known vegetable that’s common in Asian cuisine but often overlooked. Once you try this recipe, you might find yourself incorporating choy sum into your weekly meal rotation!

Ingredients

• 1 lb choy sum, washed and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or wooden spatula
• Serving plate

Instructions

1. Prepare the choy sum: Rinse the choy sum thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Trim off the thick ends of the stems and separate the leaves from the thicker stalks if desired for even cooking.
2. Heat the oil: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
4. Add the choy sum stems first: Toss in the thicker stems of the choy sum and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. They take longer to cook than the leaves and will soften nicely during this time.
5. Add the leaves: Now add the leafy parts to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes or until the leaves are wilted but still vibrant green.
6. Season the dish: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle the sugar over the greens. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Stir everything well to coat the vegetables evenly.
7. Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the choy sum to become tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and garnish: Transfer the cooked choy sum to a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, avoid overcooking the choy sum—it should remain bright and slightly crisp.”

If you want to add more protein, try tossing in some cubed firm tofu or tempeh during the garlic sauté step. For an umami boost, a splash of mushroom soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste stirred into the sauce works wonders.

Vegetarians who enjoy a bit of crunch can sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top before serving. You can also add thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms or bell peppers along with the stems to make the dish heartier.

Love ginger? Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger with the garlic adds a lovely zing.

For a sweeter twist, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave instead of sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This choy sum dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a light and satisfying meal. It can also act as a vibrant side to tofu stir-fries or vegetable fried rice.

For a more substantial meal, serve with a bowl of miso soup or alongside a hearty vegetarian noodle dish like pad thai or vegetable lo mein.

Looking for more Asian-inspired vegetarian recipes? Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for another delicious veggie option packed with flavor!

Conclusion

Choy sum is a wonderful vegetable that deserves more recognition in everyday cooking. This simple yet flavorful choy sum vegetarian recipe highlights the vegetable’s natural charm while offering easy customization options for your personal taste.

It’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and can be enjoyed year-round.

By mastering this recipe, you’ll have a quick go-to side or light main that fits perfectly into any vegetarian or vegan meal plan. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations I shared and pair it with your favorite dishes for a wholesome, balanced meal.

For more inspiration, explore our other recipes like the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe or the indulgent Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to round out your culinary repertoire.

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