Wholesome Chinese Detox Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your meals while keeping it healthy, look no further! The Chinese Detox Stir Fry is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s not only delicious but also aids in cleansing and detoxing your body. With colorful vegetables and protein-rich tofu, this recipe provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into why you should make this dish and how to whip it up in your kitchen!

Why Make This Recipe

Chinese Detox Stir Fry is perfect for those who want a light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with fiber-rich vegetables and plant-based proteins, it helps to boost digestion and overall health. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or meal prep days. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone at your table!

How to Make Chinese Detox Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 32 g (about 2/3 cup) dried lily flowers
• 10 g (about 1/4 cup) wood ear mushrooms
• 1/2 bundle mung bean noodles (or rice vermicelli, yields about a cup after soaking)
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce)
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/2 thumb ginger, julienned
• 1 (60 g) small carrot, julienned (yields 1/2 cup once sliced)
• 3 (140 g) celery stalks, cut into 2” (5 cm) long 1/4” (6 mm) thick sticks (yields about 1 1/2 cups after cutting)
• 1 cup (40 g) deep-fried tofu puffs, halved

Directions:

1. Soak the dried ingredients:
   Prepare the dried lily flowers and wood ear mushrooms by placing each in a separate medium-sized bowl. Pour boiling water over them to cover by at least 1” (2.5 cm). Press the ingredients down to ensure they’re submerged and let them rehydrate for 15 minutes until soft throughout.
2. Prepare the lily flowers:
   Once the lily flowers are soft, you may need to trim any tough ends. If they are long, cut them in half lengthwise. Drain and set aside, measuring out 3/4 cup of the soaking water for later.
3. Chop the wood ear mushrooms:
   After rehydrating, cut the wood ear mushrooms into small bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the noodles:
   Place the mung bean noodles in a medium-sized bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until they are al-dente (or as per package instructions). Drain and use kitchen shears to cut the noodles into 2” (5 cm) strands.
5. Mix the sauce:
   Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, stirring to mix well, then set aside.
6. Cook the stir fry:
   Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot but not smoking, add the ginger and stir until fragrant.
7. Add the vegetables:
   Toss in the lily flowers and wood ear mushrooms, stirring and cooking for 1 minute. Next, add the carrot and celery, stirring for another minute.
8. Combine all ingredients:
   Add the bean thread noodles, fried tofu, and pour in the mixed sauce. Cook and stir until the sauce is mostly absorbed and the vegetables are just tender. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

How to Serve Chinese Detox Stir Fry

This stir fry is incredibly versatile! You can serve it hot as a standalone main dish or alongside steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings or spring rolls for a full spread.

How to Store Chinese Detox Stir Fry

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry on medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Chinese Detox Stir Fry

• Prep Ahead: You can soak the dried ingredients and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quicker cooking process when you’re ready to eat.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or more sugar for sweetness.
• Add More Veggies: Don’t shy away from adding more vegetables! Bell peppers, bok choy, or snap peas can make delicious additions.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by substituting any of the ingredients. If you’re not a fan of tofu, try using tempeh, or add your choice of protein like chicken or shrimp. The vegetables can be swapped out based on what you have on hand or your favorites, making this a flexible option for any season.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of dried?
   Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of dried ones. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh vegetables will cook faster.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
3. How spicy is this stir fry?
   The recipe isn’t spicy, but if you prefer some heat, you can add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick!

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful Chinese Detox Stir Fry! 🌱