Asian Vegetables 101

(Basic Stir Fries)
By Pachoua Vang of Vang Farms

Leafy greens such as Swiss chard, bok choy, spinach or rapini (broccoli rabe), are a great source of nutrients, including vitamin A from beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron and folic acid. Stir fries are a quick and easy way to prepare them.

Bok Choy - Bok choy stems are juicy and sweet, with a taste similar to that of cabbage. The flavor of the leaves is more subtle. It can be used in stir-fries with shellfish, beef, poultry, or by itself, as well as in soups and braised and steamed dishes. Bok choy is also used in salads.

Baby Bok Choy - Also called Shanghai bok choy, it has a taste similar to Swiss chard or spinach. This is a versatile vegetable, delicious in soups and stir-fry, or braised whole or sautéed

Gailon - This is similar to "common" broccoli, but has a longer stalk and a more delicate taste. It's delicious with meat and poultry dishes, or just as a simple side dish.

Rapini (Broccoli Rabe) - Rapini resembles thin broccoli stalks with small bud clusters (but no relation to Broccoli). Cut about an inch off the bottom of the stems, then cook the rest of the stem, along with the leaves and florets.

Swiss Chard – There are two varieties, red or green. The wide leaves taste much like spinach, but the edible stems taste more like celery. The stems need a little more cooking time than the leaves, so slice them off where the stems meet the leaves and add them a bit sooner.

Yu Choy - Also known as green choy sum, or Chinese flowering cabbage. It is a tender vegetable and is considered one of the best Chinese cabbages. It has a delicate, sweet, slightly cabbage-like flavor and requires minimal cooking to maintain its crunch. Great in stir fries and in salads.

Ingredients

Stir Fry #1

  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Gailon (Thai Broccoli)

Stir Fry #2

  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Bok Choy
  • Baby Bok Choy

Stir Fry #3

  • Swiss Chard (red & green)
  • Rapini
  • Spinach

Stir Fry #4

  • You Choy
  • Onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Thai Chili (optional)

Directions

  • In a skillet, over medium/high heat, pour a little canola oil. Add 1 clove of garlic, crushed and loosely chopped. Chop or tear your greens. Stems and flowers of Gailon and You Choy are edible, but you may remove them if you wish. Add to the skillet and cook until tender. Add seasoning.
  • You may stop there and serve for a vegetarian meal. You may also add strips of meat or chicken (previously sautéed) or even eggs.
 
     
 

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