Stir-Fried Dried Mountain Chili Leaves
A Delectable Stir-Fry with Dried Mountain Chili Leaves
These aren’t your typical garden chili leaves; they are a special type of mountain wild vegetable! I was fortunate to receive some from a friend who lives in the countryside, and when boiled, they release a pungent aroma, much like chili peppers. Today, I’ve rehydrated and stir-fried these dried mountain chili leaves. It’s been a while since I last had them, and they taste absolutely delicious! This dish offers a unique, slightly bitter yet fragrant flavor that awakens the appetite.
Main Ingredients- Dried mountain chili leaves 100g
- Water 1 cup (approx. 200ml)
Seasoning Ingredients- Grapeseed oil 3 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced green onion 1 Tbsp
- Homemade soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy) 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tsp
- Sesame seeds 1 tsp
- Grapeseed oil 3 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced green onion 1 Tbsp
- Homemade soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy) 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tsp
- Sesame seeds 1 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the dried mountain chili leaves in cold water for about 3 to 4 hours until fully rehydrated. Once soaked, place the chili leaves and 1 cup of water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the leaves sit in the water until completely cool. This step is crucial for softening the leaves.
Step 2
After the leaves have cooled, gently lift them out of the water. Rinse them several times under cold running water to remove any remaining impurities. Avoid squeezing them too hard, as this helps maintain their texture. Lightly drain any excess water and place them in a colander.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the rehydrated chili leaves with all the seasoning ingredients except for the sesame oil and sesame seeds. These include grapeseed oil, perilla oil, minced garlic, minced green onion, homemade soy sauce, soy sauce, plum extract, and fish sauce. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the seasoning coats the leaves evenly. A gentle massage helps the flavors meld.
Step 4
Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the seasoned chili leaves and 1 cup of water. Stir-fry the leaves, allowing them to simmer and cook in the liquid until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5
When most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a little moisture, turn off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. This final addition adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 6
Transfer the fragrant stir-fried dried mountain chili leaves to a serving dish. This delicious and healthy side dish is now ready to be enjoyed, especially with a bowl of warm rice.
