Name: Celery Stir Fry with Fermented Black Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp water; ½ tbsp oyster sauce (use vegetarian/mushroom oyster sauce for vegan, gluten-free oyster sauce if needed); 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp cornstarch; 1½ tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 1 tsp minced fresh ginger; 3 dried chili peppers (adjust for spice preference); 2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed lightly; 1 lb celery, sliced on the bias into ½” (1 cm) pieces

Description

Maggie’s Celery Stir Fry with Fermented Black Beans is a quick, crunchy, and umami-packed vegetable stir fry perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish. Tender celery is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, dried chili, and fermented black beans, then coated in a savory, lightly sweet sauce. This vegan-friendly and gluten-free adaptable dish is flavorful, healthy, and easy to make in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp water

½ tbsp oyster sauce (use vegetarian/mushroom oyster sauce for vegan, gluten-free oyster sauce if needed)

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp cornstarch

For the Stir Fry:

1½ tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 tsp minced fresh ginger

3 dried chili peppers (adjust for spice preference)

2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed lightly

1 lb celery, sliced on the bias into ½” (1 cm) pieces

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together water, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add garlic, ginger, dried chili peppers, and fermented black beans. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Celery
Add the sliced celery to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until it starts to turn tender but remains crisp. If the pan becomes too dry, add a splash of water or Shaoxing wine to deglaze.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Stir the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it over the celery. Stir for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the vegetables. Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

Notes

Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oyster sauce.
Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Use mushroom oyster sauce instead of traditional oyster sauce.
Adjust Heat: Add more dried chili peppers or a dash of chili oil for spicier stir fry.
Other Vegetables: Bell peppers, snow peas, or green beans can be added for variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese