SMOKY STIR-FRIED GREENS
Wok hei, or the "breath of a wok," is the elusive smokiness found in restaurant-style dishes that rely on high-powered burners and a skilled hand to achieve it. To create a similar flavor at home, I rely on a hand-held blowtorch, which I use here for simple stir-fried greens. I recommend using either a butane canister with a high-output torch head or a propane canister with a trigger-start head. If you do not have a wok, a heavy cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet can be used instead.
Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt
Categories quick, vegetables, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 2 to 3 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine about 2 quarts water and 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a saucepan or wok and bring to a boil over high heat. Add vegetables and cook, stirring, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 20 seconds. Immediately drain vegetables and transfer them to an ice bath, or run under cool water until chilled. Spin vegetables dry in a salad spinner, or pat dry on a paper towel-lined sheet tray.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir with a spoon until homogenous, then set aside, leaving the spoon in the bowl.
- Using a paper towel, rub a very thin film of oil into a wok or large skillet, then set over high heat until lightly smoking. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant but not browned, about 10 seconds.
- Immediately add vegetables and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Working quickly, ignite your blowtorch and, holding the flame 2 to 3 inches above the vegetables, sweep across the surface while shaking the pan, until a smoky aroma reaches your nose, about 15 seconds. (You should hear a distinct crackle and see small bursts of orange flame as the oil on the vegetables jumps and combusts.)
- Still working quickly, stir-fry for another 30 seconds, and torch for another 15 seconds. Stir the sauce to loosen and to distribute the cornstarch that has settled at the bottom of the bowl, then pour it into the wok and stir-fry until the vegetables are coated in a glossy glaze, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.
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Rumon Ahmed
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of greens, but I really enjoyed this recipe.
Lacey Jinks
[email protected]This is a great way to get your kids to eat their greens.
Mishi Mahnoor
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a potluck.
Pakistan Times
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this recipe.
Isaac Favour
[email protected]This dish is so easy to make and it's a great way to use up leftover greens.
Aarbind Sah
[email protected]I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit!
Hovik Abnoosian
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
andrew wright
[email protected]This is a delicious and healthy dish. I love the smokiness from the bacon.
azaan siddique
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of greens, but I really enjoyed this recipe. The smokiness from the bacon really mellows out the bitterness of the greens.
Asghar Barish
[email protected]This is a great way to get your kids to eat their greens. The smokiness from the bacon really helps to hide the bitterness of the greens.
Sunita Thapa
[email protected]I made this dish for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved the smoky flavor and the greens were cooked perfectly.
Mfanelo Sono
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The smoky flavor from the bacon adds a nice touch of depth.
D Jt
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's just a few ingredients and it comes together in no time. Plus, it's a really healthy dish.
Aghai Wayoyi
[email protected]This dish is so easy to make and it's a great way to use up leftover greens. I always have a bag of frozen greens in my freezer and this recipe is my go-to way to use them up.
Tsering Tashi
[email protected]I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a big fan of greens, but I'm so glad I did! The smokiness from the bacon really mellows out the bitterness of the greens and the whole dish is just delicious.
Stephanie Collins
[email protected]I've made this dish several times now and it's always a hit! My family loves the smoky flavor and the greens are always cooked to perfection.
Tristen Knutson
[email protected]This stir-fried greens recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The smoky flavor from the bacon adds a nice touch, and the greens are cooked perfectly - still slightly crunchy but not too raw.