Flash Fried Wasabi Stems

2 large handfuls fresh wasabi stems and leaves, washed and trimmed
4 garlic cloves, lightly bashed
1 thumb-sized piece ginger, roughly bashed
2 red chillies, pierced
2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil

The Sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom stir fry sauce)
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Splash water

PREPARATION

1. Wash the wasabi stems and leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim away any tough ends and keep the stems and leaves together.
2. Lightly bash the garlic and ginger so they release their aroma when they hit the hot oil.
3. Pierce the chillies rather than slicing them to release flavour without overpowering heat.
4. Mix oyster sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce and sugar in a small bowl so it is ready to pour into the wok.

COOKING

1. Heat a wok over very high heat until smoking hot.
2. Add vegetable oil and swirl it around the wok.
3. Add the garlic, ginger and chillies and allow them to fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the wasabi stems and leaves and toss quickly over high heat.
5. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss the vegetables rapidly so they coat evenly.
6. Add a small splash of water to create steam and help the stems cook through while staying crisp.
7. Continue stir frying until the sauce bubbles vigorously and lightly coats the greens.
8. Serve immediately while the stems are still bright green and crunchy.

School of Wok Tips

• Always cook greens over extremely high heat so they stay crisp and vibrant.
• Lightly bashing garlic and ginger releases more flavour during stir frying.
• Piercing chillies gives subtle heat without overwhelming the dish.
• A small splash of water helps steam the stems while keeping them crunchy.

FAQs

Can you eat the whole wasabi plant?
Yes. The rhizome is used for fresh wasabi paste, while the stems and leaves can be stir fried, pickled or eaten raw.

What do wasabi stems taste like?
They have a flavour similar to mustard greens or radish with a gentle wasabi heat that develops when chewed.

Can I substitute another vegetable?
Yes. Pak choi, gai lan or morning glory can be cooked in exactly the same flash fry method.