This is a simple stir fry vegetable we make very often at my house - A Choy Stir Fry with Garlic. If you've never had this veggie - I recommend it!
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What is A Choy?
A Choy is a leafy green vegetable that taste similar to lettuce that is very in Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. In fact, it is also known as Taiwanese Lettuce. It's a refreshing veggie as it's crisp and also has tender leaves.
Fun fact - A choy is the leafy parts of Celtuce (aka wo sun) - they're the same plant!
A Choy is low in calories, and is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins - making it a healthy vegetable!
By the way if you're interested in Chinese vegetables - check out my post about all the different types of Chinese veggies here!
Where to buy A Choy?
You should be able to find A Choy in your local Asian supermarket or grocery store. Remember that they are know as A Choy or Taiwanese Lettuce, so you may need to look around for either names.
How to prepare A Choy?
After rinsing A Choy with water to get any dirt out, use a knife and slice off the bottom. Then cut the vegetable in to 2-3 inch segments.
How to Stir Fry A Choy (Step by Step)
Stir frying a choy is pretty easy and simple - but the trick is not to over cook it, you still want it to main a crunch!
Gather your ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
- ½ lb of A Choy
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: A splash of soy sauce for extra savory flavor
Wash and dry A choy. Slice off the hard bottom part where it grew from, and then slice A choy in to 2-3 inch segments.
In a wok or cooking pan, heat up cooking oil on high heat. Add garlic and stir fry for about a minute or until aromatic.
Add in the A choy and stir fry for about 2 minutes or until the the vegetable is just tender and still bright green.
Season with salt (and soy sauce, if using).
Remove from heat and serve!
FAQ
What is A Choy?
A Choy, also known as Taiwanese Lettuce, is a leafy green vegetable with crisp stems and tender leaves. It has a mild, refreshing flavor and is popular in Taiwanese and Chinese cooking.
What does A Choy taste like?
It tastes similar to lettuce, but slightly more earthy and robust. When stir fried, it keeps a nice crunch and soaks up garlic flavor beautifully.
Where can I buy A Choy?
You'll usually find it at Asian grocery stores labeled as "A Choy" or "Taiwanese Lettuce." Look for fresh, vibrant leaves and firm stems.
Can I substitute another veggie if I can't find A Choy?
Yes! Romaine lettuce hearts or even bok choy can work as substitutes, though the flavor and crunch are a little different.
How do I avoid overcooking it?
Keep the stir fry quick and hot. Cook just until the stems are slightly tender and the leaves turn bright green. Overcooking makes it soft and mushy.
Stir Fry A Choy Taiwanese Lettuce Recipe
A quick and refreshing Taiwanese stir fry made with tender A Choy (aka Taiwanese lettuce) and garlic. Crisp, light, and full of flavor – ready in just minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
- ½ lb of A Choy
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: A splash of soy sauce for extra savory flavor
Instructions
- Wash and dry the A Choy thoroughly. Slice off the hard bottom, then cut into 2–3 inch segments.
- Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
- Add garlic and stir fry about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add A Choy and stir fry for ~2 minutes, until just tender and bright green.
- Season with salt (and soy sauce, if using). Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook: A Choy should stay crisp and bright.
- Soy sauce option: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Substitutes: Romaine hearts or bok choy work if you can’t find A Choy.
- Serving tip: Perfect alongside rice and other stir fry dishes.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 95Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 779mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry Recipes!
These easy stir fry veggie dishes make perfect veggie side dishes!
- Stir Fry Water Spinach with Garlic - Similar to Sweet Potato Leaves - Tender, garlicky greens with a savory umami kick. Quick, bold, and perfect with rice.
- Stir Fry Sweet Potato Leaves - A popular Chinese and Taiwanese veggie stir fried with garlic and optionally fermented bean curd.
- Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Si Gua, Silk Melon) - A light, nutritious dish stir fried with dried shrimp for savory depth.
- Chinese Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic (Gai Lan) - Classic Chinese veggie stir fry: crisp-tender gai lan cooked simply with garlic and salt.
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CC says
Simple recipe, but you didn't say when to add the salt?
TinaTsai says
Thanks for pointing that out! After you stir fry the a choy, add the salt and stir to combine (I fixed it now)