Stir-fried Garlic Lettuce (Shoon Chow Saang Choy)

James Carrier
Notes: This dish is similar to a wilted salad; the lettuce should retain some crunch. Serve with the ginger chicken.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Rinse and drain lettuce thoroughly. Cut out and discard core. Separate leaves and tear into 3- by 5-inch pieces.
Step 2
2
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, wine, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
3
Set a 14-inch wok or 12-inch frying pan over high heat. When hot, add oil and garlic; stir-fry until garlic just begins to brown, about 30 seconds. Add lettuce and stir just until slightly limp but still bright green and somewhat crisp, about 2 minutes (if all the lettuce doesn't fit, add half, stir until slightly wilted--about 30 seconds--then stir in the remaining leaves). Stir in soy sauce mixture. Pour onto a platter and serve immediately.
Ingredients
1 head iceberg lettuce (1 1/2 lb.)
1 1/2 teaspoons regular soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Asian (toasted) sesame oil
1 teaspoon Shao Xing rice wine or dry sherry
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon salad oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed