This Choy Sum with Garlic recipe highlights the natural sweetness and tender crunch of Chinese flowering greens, quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic for a light yet deeply flavorful dish. Simple, fast, and authentic, this Cantonese classic proves that great Chinese vegetable dishes rely on technique, not complexity.
Course: Side dish
Cuisine: Chinese recipe, Cantonese dish
Origin: Southern China / Guangdong Province
Why Choy Sum with Garlic Is So Popular
Choy sum is one of the most beloved leafy greens in Cantonese cooking because of its delicate stems, edible yellow blossoms, and mild sweetness. Unlike broccoli or gai lan, choy sum cooks quickly and stays tender, making it ideal for fast stir-frying. Garlic enhances its natural flavor without overpowering it, which is why this dish frequently appears on Chinese restaurant menus and family dinner tables alike.
This recipe is especially popular because it is:
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Naturally healthy and low calorie
- A staple vegetable side in Chinese home cooking
- Perfect alongside rich or saucy main dishes
RECIPE FOR 4 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS FOR CHOY SUM WITH GARLIC
- Choy sum – tender Chinese flowering greens with sweet stems
- Garlic – fresh cloves for aromatic flavor
- Neutral cooking oil – for high-heat stir-frying
- Light soy sauce – savory seasoning
- Oyster sauce – optional depth and umami
- Sugar – balances bitterness
- Salt – enhances natural vegetable flavor
- Water or vegetable broth – helps steam-tenderize the stems
HOW TO MAKE CHOY SUM WITH GARLIC
- Wash the choy sum thoroughly and trim off any tough stem ends. Separate thicker stems from leafy tops if needed.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add oil.
- Add garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant but not browned.
- Add choy sum stems first and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
- Add leafy tops, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Splash in water or broth and toss quickly to steam and coat evenly.
- Stir-fry just until choy sum turns bright green and tender-crisp.
- Remove immediately from heat and serve hot.
DIETARY INFORMATION
- Naturally vegetarian
- Vegan (when made with plant-based seasonings)
- Dairy-free
- Low calorie
- Can be gluten-free with substitutions
Substitutions:
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free
- Reduce oil slightly for an even lighter, lower-calorie version
Chinese Choy Sum with Garlic (Easy Stir-Fried Vegetable Side)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb choy sum trimmed and washed
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce optional
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat wok over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add choy sum stems and cook 30 seconds.
- Add leaves, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Add water and toss until just tender and bright green.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
RECIPE TIPS & NOTES
- Do not overcook choy sum; it should remain vibrant green
- Separate thick stems for even cooking
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for aroma
- Make vegan by skipping oyster sauce or using mushroom sauce
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
SERVING IDEAS
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice
- Pair with Kung Pao Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork
- Add alongside Chinese BBQ pork or roasted duck
- Great with noodle dishes like lo mein or chow mein
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
