Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

stir-fried lettuce with garlic

Recipe by
Grace Pulley
Gillette, WY

Many people think of iceberg lettuce as only something to layer on a burger or sandwich or toss in a salad. Others dismiss iceberg lettuce all together because it is low on nutrients but I love iceberg lettuce. Its cool and crisp low in calories and although not nutrient dense it is high in water content, which makes it very filling and good for you. Stir-fried with some garlic and other spices it makes an excellent side to grilled meats especially pork, chicken, and fish. I also love it mixed into a bowl of ramen noodles

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 5 Min
method Stir-Fry

Ingredients For stir-fried lettuce with garlic

  • 1 Tbsp
    chinese rice wine
  • 1 Tbsp
    soy sauce (i use light )
  • 1/4 tsp
    sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    granulated sugar,
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    peanut oil (can use vegetable)
  • 4 clove
    garlic, smashed and rough chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    minced ginger
  • 1/4 tsp
    crushed red pepper flakes (optional or use less)
  • 1 tsp
    sesame oil
  • 1 lg
    iceberg lettuce head (about 1 pound)

How To Make stir-fried lettuce with garlic

  • 1
    Wash the head of lettuce, separating leaves and then drain well. Tear lettuce into bite size pieces or cut the lettuce leaves into 1-inch wide pieces and set aside.
  • 2
    Combine the rice wine, soy sauce, salt, and sugar in a small bowl, and set aside.
  • 3
    Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add oil, add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using when the oil is hot. Stir-fry for about 5 seconds or just until aromatic; add the lettuce and stir-fry an additional 1-2 minutes or just until the lettuce is limp.
  • 4
    Stir the sauce and then pour around the lettuce mixture in the wok and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until the lettuce is tender but still bright green. Remove from heat and finish it off by drizzling on the sesame. Serve immediately.
  • 5
    The Chinese consider lettuce to be a "lucky" food and it is often served during the Chinese New Year. I hope you enjoy this recipe if you try it and I hope that it brings you luck if you do. ;)
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