Lettuce Stir-Fry
The secret to this crisp, savory dish
lies in quick and simple cooking. All the cutting can be alone ahead of
time, with the actual cooking accomplished at the last minute. Serve
this simple cooking recipes alongside a spicy meal of blackhead fish
fillets.
Makes 6 servings
2 tablespoons mild vegetable oil, preferably peanut
1 teaspoon Chinese hot oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bunch (6 to 8) green onions (scallions), white and light green parts
only, thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon for garnishing
1 large head green leaf lettuce, Romaine, or curly endive, sliced
crosswise
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine, or dry sherry
2 tablespoons chicken stock
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Hot pepper sauce to taste (optional)
Heat the oils in a wok over high heat. Add the garlic and all but 1
tablespoon of the green onions, and cook, stirring, for 10 to 15
seconds, being careful not to burn the vegetables. Add the lettuce and
stir-fry until just wilted, about 1 minute.
In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, wine, stock and
cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the lettuce and continue to cook,
stirring or tossing, constantly, until the sauce thickened, no longer
than 1 minute.
Serve the lettuce at once, very hot, garnished with the remaining 1
tablespoon of green onions. Pass a favorite hot pepper sauce, if
desired.
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