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Stir-Fried Nai Bai with Garlic Recipe

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4.2 from 75 reviews

A quick and flavorful stir-fry of nai bai (Chinese napa cabbage) with garlic, enhanced with Chinese wine and sesame oil for a savory, aromatic side dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 – 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 300 g nai bai (whole or halved, washed and drained)
  • 1 – 2 tbsp water
  • ½ tsp chicken seasoning powder
  • ¼ – ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1½ tsp Chinese wine
  • 1½ tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the Wok: Heat up a wok over low heat to prepare for frying the garlic.
  2. Fry Half the Garlic: When moderately hot, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and then add half of the finely chopped garlic. Fry until the garlic turns light golden brown, being careful not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
  3. Set Fried Garlic Aside: Remove the fried garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
  4. Increase Heat and Fry Remaining Garlic: Turn the heat up to high, add the remaining garlic to the hot oil, and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Nai Bai and Water: Add the nai bai to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 to 45 seconds. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tbsp water over the vegetables to help soften them.
  6. Season the Vegetables: Add ½ tsp chicken seasoning powder, ¼ to ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste), and 1½ tsp Chinese wine. Continue to stir-fry until the white opaque stems start to soften and become translucent.
  7. Finish with Sesame Oil: Turn off the heat and drizzle 1½ tsp sesame oil over the vegetables, giving everything a quick toss to combine flavors.
  8. Serve: Immediately transfer the stir-fried nai bai and juices to a serving plate. Garnish with the reserved fried garlic bits and serve hot.

Notes

  • Keep the heat moderate when frying garlic the first time to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Chinese wine adds a distinct aroma and flavor; substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
  • Adjust salt and chicken powder seasoning to your taste preference.
  • Serve this dish immediately for best texture and flavor.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal