Discover the delightful simplicity of stir-fried moonflowers with oyster sauce, a budget-friendly yet incredibly flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your next family gathering. Moonflowers, also known as white flowers or hyacinth beans, offer a unique, slightly sweet and subtly crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of oyster sauce. This recipe showcases the versatility of this often-underutilized vegetable, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
This easy-to-follow recipe requires only a handful of common pantry staples and fresh produce, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation times; this dish focuses on fresh flavors and quick cooking methods. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and satisfying meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Wok or frying pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Moonflowers (jasmine flowers)
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning sauce
- Soybean paste
- Water
- Chili peppers (red): 5
- Garlic
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Heat Wok
- You can adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference. Skip this step if you prefer a non-spicy dish.)
- Heat up a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add cooking oil.
- Add the pounded chili and garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 2. Stir-fry Moonflowers
- Add the moonflowers to the wok.
Step 3. Add Sauce and Seasoning
- Pour in the mixed oyster sauce, sugar, seasoning sauce, soybean paste, and water. Stir-fry briefly.
Step 4. Finish Cooking
- Stir-fry until the moonflowers are cooked through (they cook quickly).
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- This recipe is budget-friendly and easy to make.
- Moonflowers have medicinal properties, acting as a gentle laxative.
- Serve with hot rice, rice porridge, or chili paste.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preference. Omit chili for a non-spicy version.
- Use high heat for stir-frying.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 100-150
- Fat: 2-5g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-4g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute oyster sauce?
Yes! Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a mix of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
2. Where can I buy moonflowers?
Moonflowers (also called hyacinth beans) are often found in Asian grocery stores, some larger supermarkets with a good produce section, or online.
3. What if my moonflowers are a bit tough?
Ensure you cook them long enough to tenderize them. Adding a little extra water or broth during the stir-fry can help. You can also blanch them briefly before stir-frying for a more tender result.
This simple stir-fry is a testament to how delicious and satisfying a meal can be without needing expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this easy recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with additions like garlic, ginger, or chili flakes to personalize it to your taste. We hope you’ll add this budget-friendly and flavorful dish to your regular cooking repertoire!