"Hakusai" is a Japanese term for Chinese cabbage, commonly known as Napa cabbage. It's a versatile and popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, used in various dishes such as soups, stir-fries, and pickles. Here's a simple recipe for making a basic Hakusai stir-fry:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of Napa cabbage (Hakusai), washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped Napa cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry the cabbage for 4-5 minutes, or until it starts to wilt and become tender.
4. Add soy sauce to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the cabbage to cook through.
5. If using, drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fried cabbage and toss to coat evenly.
6. Season the stir-fried cabbage with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer the stir-fried Hakusai to a serving dish.
8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, for added flavor and texture.
9. Serve the Hakusai stir-fry hot as a side dish or accompaniment to your favorite Japanese meal.
This basic Hakusai stir-fry is quick, easy, and delicious, making it a perfect addition to any Japanese-inspired meal. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and variety. Enjoy!
