Gai Lan With Oyster Mushrooms

4.5 from 2 ratings

This plant-based version of gai lan swaps out the oyster sauce and instead uses soy sauce and fresh garlic. The addition of oyster mushrooms gives the gai lan (Chinese broccoli) an earthiness that takes the dish to the next level. (c)2021 by Hsiao-Ching Chou. Excerpted from Vegetarian Chinese Soul Food by permission of Sasquatch Books.

Prep Time

minutes

Cook Time

minutes

Servings

servings

Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 pound gai lan (chinese broccoli)
1/4 pound oyster mushrooms
2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce
2 tablespoon water
1 large clove garlic, crushed or minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Rinse and drain ¾ pound gai lan, lightly shaking the excess water from the leaves into the sink. Trim about 1 inch off the thick end of the stem. Pluck or cut the leaves from the main stem and set aside. Peel the thick stems and slice thinly on the bias. (If you’re feeling lazy, you can skip peeling.) Place the sliced stems in a medium bowl.
Next, stack 4 or 5 leaves and make a lengthwise slice down the center of the stack of leaves. Stack the halves together and cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Add to the bowl and repeat with the next stack. Set aside. Separate ¼ pound oyster mushrooms into individual mushrooms and cut any larger ones into halves or thirds. In a small dip bowl or measuring cup, combine 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1½ teaspoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons water and large clove garlic, crushed or minced.
Preheat a wok over high heat until wisps of smoke rise from the surface. Swirl in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat for a few seconds until it starts to shimmer. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the edges start to brown. Add the gai lan and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until the color turns a rich green. Add the sauce mixture and combine well, stir-frying for about 1 minute to ensure the tangle of leaves get exposure to the sauce. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving dish