Choy Sum Macau

Choy Sum Macau Recipe - A Delicious Vegetable Dish from Macau

Region / culture: Macau | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Choy Sum Macau is a delicious and nutritious stir-fry dish that combines the flavors of choy sum, shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

History

Choy Sum Macau is a popular dish in Macau, a region known for its fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cuisines. This dish combines traditional Chinese ingredients with a touch of Portuguese influence, resulting in a flavorful and unique stir-fry.

Ingredients

1 bunch of choy sum, washed and trimmed
0.5 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced
0.5 cup of red bell pepper, julienned
4 tbsp of shallots, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp of hot chile and garlic sauce (recommended brand: sriracha)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
0.5 cup of drained water chestnuts
5 oz (142 g) of vegetable broth
2 tbsp of reduced-sodium soy sauce

How to prepare

In a wok or wide frying pan, heat the broth, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and shallots over medium heat. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Add garlic, chiles, and water chestnuts. Cook for an additional minute.
Add choy sum and simmer for 1 minute.
Add soy sauce and toss with vegetables. Continue to stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Serve immediately with brown rice or whole wheat noodles.

Variations

Add tofu or chicken for extra protein.
Substitute other vegetables such as broccoli or snow peas for a different flavor.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as oyster or cremini, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and trim the choy sum before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Use a wide frying pan or wok to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and quickly.

- Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be crisp-tender for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Choy Sum Macau can be served with brown rice or whole wheat noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful dish.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the best technique for making Choy Sum Macau, as it allows the vegetables to cook quickly while retaining their crisp texture and vibrant color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find choy sum, you can substitute with bok choy or other leafy greens. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of dried shiitake mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish is best served fresh, so it is recommended to cook it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Choy Sum Macau pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It can also be enjoyed with a cold beer or a hot cup of green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Choy Sum Macau can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Choy Sum Macau contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Choy Sum Macau is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Choy Sum Macau is a good source of protein, with approximately 5 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron from the choy sum and other vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It is important to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Choy Sum Macau is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a healthy and delicious option for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Choy Sum Macau is a delicious and nutritious stir-fry dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With a combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful mushrooms, and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day in Macau, and I was wandering through the bustling markets, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant city. As I passed by a small food stall, I caught a whiff of something delicious wafting through the air.

Curious, I approached the stall and saw a lovely elderly woman standing behind it, a large wok bubbling away in front of her. She was stirring a fragrant mixture of garlic, ginger, and chilies, the aroma making my mouth water. I couldn't help but watch as she added a handful of choy sum, a leafy green vegetable that I had never seen before.

As she cooked, she moved with a grace and confidence that spoke of years of experience. I could tell that she was a master in the kitchen, and I longed to learn her secrets. So, I mustered up the courage to approach her and ask for the recipe.

To my surprise, she smiled warmly and welcomed me into her makeshift kitchen. She explained that the dish she was making was Choy Sum Macau, a traditional Cantonese stir-fry that was popular in the region. She told me that it was a simple dish, but one that required careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the ingredients.

I watched as she added soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar to the wok, creating a savory-sweet sauce that coated the choy sum perfectly. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the next few weeks, I visited the elderly woman regularly, helping her in the kitchen and learning the intricacies of Choy Sum Macau. She taught me how to select the freshest choy sum, how to stir-fry the vegetables just right so they were tender but still crisp, and how to balance the flavors of the sauce to perfection.

I was like a sponge, soaking up her knowledge and skills with every visit. I could see the joy in her eyes as she passed on her culinary wisdom to me, and I felt honored to be entrusted with such a precious gift.

Finally, after weeks of practice and guidance, I felt confident enough to try making Choy Sum Macau on my own. I gathered the ingredients, set up my wok, and began to cook, following the steps that I had learned so carefully.

As the dish came together, the familiar aromas filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that warm summer day in Macau. I could almost hear the sounds of the bustling market and feel the gentle touch of the elderly woman guiding my hand.

When I finally sat down to taste my creation, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The dish was perfect, just like the one I had tasted in Macau. The flavors were balanced, the choy sum was tender yet crisp, and the sauce was savory-sweet perfection.

From that day on, Choy Sum Macau became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make for my family and friends with pride. I would always think back to that elderly woman in the market, who had so generously shared her knowledge and passion with me.

And so, every time I make Choy Sum Macau, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together across cultures and generations. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from that dear woman, and I hope to pass on her recipe and her spirit of generosity to those who come after me.

In the end, it is not just a dish that I learned to make that day in Macau, but a lesson in love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with others. And for that, I will always be grateful.