Cherry & Dennis Recipes
Stir-fried Indian Lettuce with Canned Dace and Black Beans
豆豉鯪魚炒油麥菜
Recipe overview
This is a quick Hong Kong home-style vegetable dish. Indian lettuce stays fresh and green, while canned dace with black beans adds a savory flavor that goes well with rice. The key is to drain the vegetables well, use only part of the canned fish and oil, and season lightly because the fish is already salty.
01
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- can canned dace with black beans, use about 1/2 to 2/3 can
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 slices ginger
- A little shredded red pepper, optional
- 500g Indian lettuce
- 2 tablespoons water
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- A little white pepper
- A little salt only if needed
- A little sesame oil
02
Tools
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Bowls
- Plate
- Measuring spoons
- Non-stick wok or home wok
- Wok spatula
- Colander
- Chopsticks
03
Steps
Step 1
Prepare ingredients
Prepare Indian lettuce, canned dace, garlic, ginger, and seasonings before heating the wok.
Step 2
Wash Indian lettuce
Separate the stalks, soak and rinse the leaves and stems carefully to remove sand.
Step 3
Cut Indian lettuce
Cut into 6-7 cm sections and keep stems and leaves separate.
Step 4
Drain vegetables
Drain well in a colander so the stir-fry will not become watery.
Step 5
Break canned dace
Use about half to two-thirds of the can and break the fish into large pieces.
Step 6
Cut aromatics
Slice or mince garlic, slice ginger, and shred red pepper.
Step 7
Fry garlic and ginger
Heat a little oil in the wok and fry garlic and ginger over medium heat until fragrant.
Step 8
Fry canned dace
Add canned dace with a small amount of black bean oil and stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 9
Add lettuce stems
Add the stems first and stir-fry for 30-45 seconds.
Step 10
Add lettuce leaves
Add the leaves, turn to medium-high heat, and add a little water to help cooking.
Step 11
Season and taste
Add sugar and white pepper, then taste before adding soy sauce or salt.
Step 12
Add sesame oil and serve
When the lettuce is just cooked and still green, add red pepper and sesame oil, toss quickly, and serve.
Common mistakes
- Not washing lettuce well may leave sand.
- Wet vegetables make the dish watery.
- Using the whole can with all the oil makes it too salty and oily.
- Adding leaves too early makes them yellow and soft.
- Low heat causes too much water to come out.
- Adding salt before tasting makes it too salty.
Tips
Canned dace is already salty, so season very lightly. Start with half a can, taste near the end, and only add soy sauce if needed. Stir-fry the lettuce quickly and do not cook it until yellow. Check the canned fish for fine bones before serving to young children.
