Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou Recipe: Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Hong Kong

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou is a traditional Chinese dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the crunchiness of string beans. This dish is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami flavors that will leave you wanting more.

History

This recipe has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors. Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou is a popular dish in Sichuan province, where it is often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. The combination of mushrooms, string beans, and preserved vegetables creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

0.5 can of button mushrooms
150 g of string beans
1 tbsp of minced Chinese ham
30 g of Tianjin preserved vegetable
3 stalks of spring onion

Seasoning

0.33 tbsp of salt
1 tbsp of light soy sauce
0.33 tbsp of sugar
some sesame oil
2 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Slice the button mushrooms and parboil them in hot oil for a while. Then, dish them up.
Wash the preserved vegetable and squeeze out the water. Next, mince it.
Trim away the ends of the string beans and cut them into short stalks.
Parboil the string beans in hot oil until they become wrinkled. Then, dish them up.
Heat a wok with 1 tbsp of oil and add the preserved vegetable, followed by the mushrooms.
Stir slowly and then add the string beans and seasoning.
Continue stirring and mixing well until the liquid becomes dry. Then, add spring onion.
Dish it up and sprinkle minced Chinese ham on top. Serve.

Variations

You can add diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and flavor.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the Chinese ham and use tofu or tempeh instead.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to parboil the mushrooms and string beans before stir-frying them. This will help to retain their crunchiness and prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying the ingredients to ensure that they cook quickly and evenly.

- Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan and burning.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or more sugar for a sweeter taste.

Serving Suggestions

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou can be served as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles. It also pairs well with other Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao chicken or Mapo tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Tianjin preserved vegetable, you can substitute with pickled mustard greens or kimchi.

- Any type of mushrooms can be used in place of button mushrooms.

- Green beans can be used instead of string beans.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou can be garnished with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative dish or bowl to enhance its visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy. It also goes well with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp lager beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the dish in a hot wok until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake. The string beans provide a good source of fiber, which can help to promote digestive health and keep you feeling full.

Fats

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou is a low-fat dish, with most of the fat coming from the oil used for stir-frying. You can reduce the amount of oil used if you are looking to lower the fat content of the dish.

Proteins

The mushrooms and Chinese ham in this dish provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the string beans and mushrooms. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

Alergens

This dish contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.

Summary

Overall, Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in carbs and fats, but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.

Summary

Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With its combination of mushrooms, string beans, and preserved vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a small village in China with my husband. We stumbled upon a local market bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and spices. As we wandered through the colorful stalls, the aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger filled the air.

I was drawn to a petite elderly woman who was skillfully stir-frying a medley of mushrooms and green beans in a large wok. The dish looked and smelled absolutely delicious. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe.

She chuckled softly and beckoned me closer. In broken Mandarin, she explained the ingredients and steps involved in making Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou, a traditional Sichuan dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the crunch of green beans in a spicy garlic sauce.

I watched intently as she expertly tossed the ingredients in the wok, the flames dancing around her like a mesmerizing performance. She added a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns, and a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick. The aroma wafting from the wok was intoxicating, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After she finished cooking, she generously offered me a taste of her creation. I eagerly accepted, and as soon as I took my first bite, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of umami, heat, and crunch that left me craving more.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled warmly in return. As we walked away from the market, I couldn't stop thinking about the dish I had just tasted. I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

When we returned home, I immediately set out to gather the ingredients for Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou. I searched high and low for the freshest mushrooms and green beans, and I meticulously measured out the garlic, ginger, and spices. As I heated up my trusty wok, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through my veins.

I followed the steps the elderly woman had shown me, adding each ingredient with care and precision. The garlic and ginger sizzled in the wok, releasing their aromatic essence as I tossed in the mushrooms and green beans. The colors and textures melded together beautifully, creating a dish that looked just as enticing as it smelled.

As I added the final touches of soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes, the dish came together in a burst of flavors that rivaled the memory of the original. I couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate the dish so faithfully, thanks to the guidance of a kind stranger in a distant village.

When I served the Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou to my family that evening, their eyes lit up with joy and anticipation. They eagerly dug into their plates, savoring each bite with gusto. The dish received rave reviews, with my husband declaring it one of the best meals I had ever made.

From that day on, Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou became a regular feature on our dinner table. I would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always sharing the story of how I had stumbled upon the recipe in a small village market in China.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and adaptations to suit our tastes. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought back memories of that warm summer day and the kind-hearted woman who had shared her culinary wisdom with me.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing Gan Bian Mo Gu Si Ji Dou for yet another family dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that brought this recipe into my life. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.