Most of us are so used to having lettuce on salads and eaten raw, but in Asia there are many dishes where it is served warm. Like this dish – blanched lettuce simply but deliciously dressed in hot garlic oil.
Lettuce, in the West mostly enjoyed fresh in salads, takes on a completely different character when cooked, especially in dishes from Asia. In China, for example, quickly blanching lettuce and drizzling it with hot garlic oil is a quick and popular way to prepare this green. It’s a fast dish that’s both simple and flavorful.
If you’re exploring different ways to serve greens, this one is definitely a must try. The sweet but earthy flavors of cooked lettuce complements stronger-flavored dishes, making it an excellent side for things like stir-fried meats or spicy tofu. It’s a straightforward but truly delicious way to add a new twist to your regular vegetable lineup. 
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep the Lettuce:
Begin by separating the leaves of the Chinese lettuce. Once separated, chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Set these aside for the moment.
Blanching Process:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the chopped lettuce. Let it blanch briefly, just until it softens slightly, then drain the water using a colander. Once drained, set the blanched lettuce aside.
Prepare the Garlic Oil:
In a small pan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns a golden brown color. This not only cooks the garlic but infuses the oil with its flavor.
Add Seasonings:
To the same pan with the garlic, stir in the brown sugar and light soy sauce. This combination will give a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the oil. Once combined, turn off the heat.
Serving:
Arrange the blanched lettuce on your serving platter. While the oil mixture is still hot, pour it over the lettuce. The hot oil will slightly wilt the lettuce and allow it to absorb the flavors of the garlic and seasonings.
Enjoy:
The dish is best served immediately while the lettuce is still warm and the oil aromatic. Consider pairing it with a protein-heavy main course, like a meat or tofu stir-fry.
Print
Chinese Lettuce in Garlic Oil
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Warm Chinese lettuce gets a flavor boost from fragrant garlic-infused oil. Its a simple side dish with big flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 large Chinese lettuce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp peanut oil
Instructions
- Separate and chop lettuce leaves into smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Blanch the lettuce in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and set aside.
- In a small pan, add oil and gently sauté the garlic over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add sugar and light soy sauce, then turn off the heat. Mix well.
- Place the lettuce on a serving platter and pour the hot oil mixture on top. Serve.
Notes
- For a deeper garlic flavor, lightly toast the minced garlic in the oil before adding the soy sauce and sugar.
- To prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy, ensure it’s completely dry after blanching before adding the garlic oil.
- Sesame oil can be substituted for half of the peanut oil for a nutty flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I blanch the lettuce for?
You should blanch the chopped lettuce briefly, just until it softens slightly, usually around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
What type of oil is recommended for the garlic oil preparation?
Peanut oil is recommended for heating, as it has a high smoke point and complements the flavors of the dish.
Can I use other types of lettuce for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for Chinese lettuce, you can experiment with other leafy greens, but the texture and flavor may vary.
