Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Shangjuan (Chinese spinach)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash the Shangjuan thoroughly and trim off any tough stems.
2. Place the Shangjuan in a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
3. While the Shangjuan is steaming, make the garlic sauce by combining the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, red pepper flakes, and water in a small bowl.
4. Once the Shangjuan is done steaming, transfer it to a serving dish and pour the garlic sauce over it.
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Temperature:
- Steamer basket: high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Shangjuan can be substituted with baby bok choy or regular spinach.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Sesame oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or olive oil.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the steamer basket with the Shangjuan.
- Top the steamed Shangjuan with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
- Use the garlic sauce as a marinade for chicken or tofu.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to wash the Shangjuan thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Don't overcook the Shangjuan, as it will become mushy and lose its bright green color.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover steamed Shangjuan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, steam the Shangjuan for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the steamed Shangjuan on a platter and pour the garlic sauce over it.
- Garnish with sliced scallions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Sliced scallions
- Cilantro
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Suggested side dishes:
- Egg drop soup
- Hot and sour soup
- Wonton soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the garlic sauce is too salty, add a little more water to dilute it.
- If the Shangjuan is too tough, steam it for a few more minutes until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food.
- Make sure the Shangjuan is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Shangjuan is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is also known as Chinese spinach or amaranth.
Flavor profiles:
- Shangjuan has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.
- The garlic sauce is savory, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the steamed Shangjuan as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
- This dish is often served as a vegetarian option at Chinese restaurants.
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Region: Chinese