The saltiness of fermented black beans is the perfect foil to bok choy's subtle flavour. Sweet roast pork (cha siu) can be bought from any Chinese restaurant or roast meat stalls, but is also easy to prepare at home. You can also try this recipe with Kai Lan or Choy Sum.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tbsp fermented black beans

100g Chinese roast pork (char siu), diced

2 small bok choy, quartered

Pinch of sugar

2 tbsps water

STEPS

1. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry garlic, black beans and pork for 1 - 2 minutes.

2. Add bok choy and toss to coat.

3. Scatter on sugar and add water.

4. Reduce heat, then cover and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Serve with rice.

Organic Asian greens like bok choy can be used in these other ways:

Ginger Bok Choy - Blanch bok choy stalks for 1 minute, then toss into a wok with oil and shredded ginger for 2 minutes. Season with sesame oil and serve.

Tempura of Bok Choy - Dip individual bok choy leaves in Tempura Batter and deep fry in hot, clean oil.

 From The Cook’s Companion by Stephanie Alexander (Penguin, 2004), available at SuperNature.

Click here to download the pdf version.