Gourmet November 2007
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without greens. Stir-fried poc choi, with its almost bitter leaves and sweet, succulent stems, offers a nice touch of simplicity in the middle of a rich meal.
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Active Time: 35 min
Total Time: 35 min
1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced garlic (about 8 cloves)
2 pounds baby poc choi, halved lengthwise
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
Equipment: a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok with a lid
Stir together broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until cornstarch has dissolved. Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour peanut oil down side of wok, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat side. Add garlic and stir-fry until pale golden, 5 to 10 seconds. Add half of poc choi and stir-fry until leaves wilt, about 2 minutes, then add remaining poc choi and stir-fry until all leaves are bright green and limp, 2 to 3 minutes total. Stir broth mixture, then pour into wok and stir-fry 15 seconds. Cover with lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in sesame oil, then transfer to a serving dish.
