Serves 4–6
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small Chinese cabbage or firm white
cabbage, cut into equal-sized chunks
about 2in (5cm) square
3 heads of baby bok choy, cut into equalsized
chunks about 2in (5cm) square
10 purple sprouting broccoli stalks, cut
into 2in (5cm) lengths
10 fresh asparagus spears, cut into
2in (5cm) lengths
2 tbsp soy sauce
6 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
½ cup fresh bean sprouts
20 Chinese chives, snipped into
3 equal lengths
handful of fresh cilantro leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the paste
grated zest of 2 limes
juice of 1 lime
2in (5cm) piece fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp five-spice powder
1 tbsp soy sauce
1To make the paste, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Heat the oil
in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage, bok choy, broccoli,
asparagus, and 1 tbsp of the soy sauce. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the paste, and
continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
2Next add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce with the scallions, bean
sprouts, and Chinese chives. Cook until wilted, then add the cilantro. Taste
and check the seasoning, and adjust as needed. Serve immediately, alongside
grilled fish or meat, and other Asian-style dishes.