This stir-fry works for most Asian greens. Look for yu choy, amaranth, gai lan, or tatsoi at farmers markets or Asian supermarkets. Or use bok choy, spinach, kale, chard, or broccolini.

Stir-Fried Asian Greens

1 Tbs. reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ tsp. balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 lb. Asian cooking greens with their stems, separated and chopped
1 Tbs. peanut oil
1 Tbs. minced garlic

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch with ¼ cup of water.
  2. In a large pan or wok, bring another ¼ cup of water to a boil over high heat. Add the stems and stir-fry until hot, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the leaves a few handfuls at a time. Toss with tongs to help them wilt. Once all the greens are in the pan, stir-fry until the water has cooked off, 1–2 minutes.
  4. Push the greens to one side of the pan. Add the oil to the other side and tilt it over the burner. Add the garlic to the oil and cook for 30 seconds. Return the pan to level on the burner.
  5. Add the soy sauce mixture to the oil and garlic. Cook until the liquid thickens, 30–60 seconds. Mix with the greens.
  6.  

Per serving (½ cup):
Calories: 50
Total fat: 3.5 g
Sat fat: 0.5 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Total sugar: 2 g
Added sugar: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Sodium: 210 mg

Want more?

Go to nutritionaction.com/greens for

  • How to stir-fry greens
  • Sesame Ginger Baby Bok Choy

Need cooking advice?Write to Chef Kate at healthycook@cspinet.org.

Photo: Jennifer Urban & Kate Sherwood/CSPI.