← Nouns Cooking · Chinese

Ingredients

• 400 g romaine or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, large ones torn
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, plus a drop for the water
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetarian or regular oyster sauce
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 3 tbsp Water
• 1 pinch White pepper

Method

1. Bring a large pan of water to the boil with a drop of oil. Add the lettuce and blanch for 20–30 seconds, just until it turns bright and slightly limp.
2. Drain well, shaking off the water, and pile it on a plate.
3. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat and fry the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and barely golden.
4. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, water and pepper and bubble for 30 seconds, then pour it over the lettuce and serve at once.

Tips

• Regular oyster sauce is the classic choice but makes the dish not vegetarian.

Sources

Written in our own words after cross-checking these recipes:

Omnivore's Cookbook BBC Good Food