Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, vibrant stir-fry of fresh choy sum tossed with fragrant garlic and a light soy sauce dressing, perfect as a healthy side. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 11 minutes pairs washed and trimmed choy sum, large, finely minced garlic cloves, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 large finely minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb washed and trimmed choy sum to the wok, tossing quickly to coat with the garlic oil.
  3. Step 3: Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the choy sum stems are tender-crisp and leaves are wilted bright green.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp white pepper, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the vegetables for a nutty aroma.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately as a fresh, healthy side dish alongside steamed rice or main courses.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep washed and trimmed choy sum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cantonese-Style Stir-Fried Choy Sum with Garlic?

Chinese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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