Recipe

Greens, prepared simply and lightly sauced, are common side dishes on the Chinese table. Baby bok choy is sweeter than larger bok choy. Although native to Asia, bok choy can be grown in any temperate climate. The most important rule in handling these antioxidant and fiber-rich vegetables is to cook them only until crisp-tender. Overcooked bok choy becomes mushy and loses flavour. In a pinch, bok choy can be steamed until just tender, then tossed with sesame oil or drizzled with warm oyster sauce diluted with a little wine and soy sauce.

6 baby bok choy, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 slices gingerroot
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup water or broth
1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water
1 tbsp dark sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste