Yen Can Cook ~ Stir Fried Celtuce with Wood Ear Fungus (Vegetarian)
I want to know how many of you know the name of this vegetable? Or have you ever seen this in markets?
This is Celtuce, 莴笋 “Wo Sun”, otherwise known in English as stem lettuce, asparagus lettuce, celery lettuce, or Chinese lettuce. It is common at Chinese markets but less available elsewhere and I got to know about this vegetable from China TV show too. Celtuce is a varietal of lettuce and there are different types of celtuce in different area of China. In general, they can be classified into two groups–the first group is to use the stem and the other group is to use leaves. Today let’s talk about the former group.
Grown primarily for its thick stem, celtuce which looks like a broccoli’s stalk but larger. Celtuce can be eaten raw or cooked. The stem is in pale green (after being peeled), crunchy and mild in flavour. Get one and try out my simple recipe if you see any in market!
Ingredients (Serve: 3-4)
400g celtuce, peeled & sliced
2 eggs, beaten
A handful of dried wood ear fungus
3 cloves garlic, sliced/minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
White pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons water
Cooking oil
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Step 1: Soak the dried wood ear fungus till soften and cut into bite size.
Step 2: Heat oil in skillet, pour in the beaten egg, stir and scramble the egg is barely set. Dish up and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, saute garlic till fragrant. Add in wood ear fungus (Step 1) and water, cook with lid on for 2 minutes until wood ear fungus are slightly softened.
Step 4: Add in sliced celtuce, cook and stir for another 2 minutes until both celtuce and wood ear fungus soften. Add back the scrambled egg, as well as soy sauce and white pepper, stir to mix.
Step 5: Serve.
HAPPY COOKING! #dudukrumahagain #stayhealthy
Goodness me! I have never seen or heard of celtuce. It is definitely some sort of hybrid vege. I won’t mind trying it of I could find it.
PH, I don’t think it’s hybrid but anyway, you definitely have to try it if you see any in markets/supermarket!
Wow! I guess I have eaten this few times in China esp in Chengdu and X’ian. I have not seen the exact original uncut shape like your photo and believe it’s the same one served. You are really adventurous when comes to cooking and eating. Kudos for your happy family.
TM, you’re right, this Celtuce is popular in China, but not Malaysia, that’s why we seldom can see it in our market. I’m not really adventitious, as if the ingredient really looks too weird, I dare not try lor… ^__*
No, I’ve not heard of this vegetable either. I might have eaten or seen it but didn’t know what it was! >_< It looks a bit like "jit kwa" (after it's been cooked)….does it taste like something similar to that? Wouldn't mind trying it out if I see it in the market. P/S: I have that same lovely blue plate! 😉
Kris, it’s taste is rather mild and similar with some gourd, I reckon.
Wah I’ve never tried this before, gotta check if it’s at my local market! Thanks
KY, good luck!