Best Asian Greens Recipes

STIR-FRIED ASIAN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add collards and toss to lightly coat with oil. Pour in broth and soy sauce. Cover, reduce heat, and steam until tender, turning every few minutes, 7 to 8 minutes total. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve.

STIR-FRIED ASIAN GREENS WITH CHILES AND GARLIC

Steps:

• 1. Carefully inspect the greens, discarding or trimming off any spoiled stems or leaves. Trim the bottom ends off and discard. Wash the greens in several changes of the coldest possible water; tepid water might cause them to wilt, and you want them to stay as alert and perky as possible before being cooked. (Note: Because bok choi and baby bok choi tend to have pockets full of sand in the nooks where the leaves meet the center stem, be certain to pull the leaves back slightly away from the stem when you're cleaning them. There are few things worse than a mouthful of sand when you want a mouthful of greens.)
• 2. Cut the cleaned greens into pieces 2-1/2 to 3 inches long. If any of the stems are particularly wide - say, more than 1 inch - or are tough or sinewy-looking, cut them in half lengthwise. If you're using baby bok choi or baby Shanghai choi, you can either leave the heads whole or cut them in half lengthwise - it's up to you. Spin the greens dry in a salad dryer or set them aside to air-dry on a kitchen towel or paper towels; they needn't be bone dry - a little dampness won't matter.
• 3. In a wok, 12-inch skillet, Dutch oven, or soup pot (any pot large and wide enough to comfortably hold the greens will do), heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it's hot but not smoking - it should appear shimmery - add the garlic, the salt, and, if using, the chiles. Sauté, stirring until the garlic just begins to lose its rawness, about 1 minute. (Try not to let the garlic turn golden or golden brown, which would give this dish an inappropriate roasted taste.)
• 4. Add the greens. Raise the heat slightly and immediately begin to vigorously stir-fry the greens around the pot. Continue to vigorously stir-fry the greens until they just begin to go limp but the leaves remain a spring-green color and the stems are still crunchy-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the type of greens. Taste for salt, adding only a pinch more if necessary (a little salt goes a long way with greens).
• 5. Transfer the cooked greens to a large serving platter and serve promptly. Be careful not to pile the greens in a small bowl; since the greens will continue to cook for a minute or two after they're removed from the heat, a serving bowl that crowds them may cause them to overcook and become mushy.

TERIYAKI STEAK SKEWERS WITH ASIAN-STYLE GREENS

Steps:

• Create your marinade by mixing the soy, mirin and honey with half of the ginger and pour it over the steak, leaving to marinate for about an hour.
• Mix the bok choy, kale, spring onion and cucumber and toss with the sherry vinegar, the olive oil, the remaining ginger and the soy sauce and assemble in a serving bowl.
• Using small skewers, thread about four steak pieces on to each skewer and then sear in a hot frying pan for about 2 minutes on each side.
• Once all the steak has been cooked, serve with the salad. Finish with a sprinkling of chile, if using.

STEAMED ASIAN GREENS WITH HONEY SOY SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Pour about 1-inch of water into a wok and bring it to a boil over high heat. Put the greens into a bamboo steamer and cover. Put the steamer into the wok and steam the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they are just tender. Meanwhile make the dressing by combining the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, oil, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds in a small bowl. Put the cooked greens onto a serving platter, drizzle the dressing over them, and toss well to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

GRILLED TOFU AND SAUTEED ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Cut tofu crosswise into 6 slices. Arrange in 1 layer on a triple layer of paper towels and top with another triple layer of towels. Weight with a shallow baking pan or baking sheet and let stand 2 minutes. Repeat weighting with dry paper towels 2 more times.
• Stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, Tabasco, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a glass pie plate. Add tofu slices in 1 layer and marinate, turning over every couple of minutes, 8 minutes total.
• Heat a lightly oiled well-seasoned ridged grill pan over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Lift tofu from marinade with a slotted spatula (reserve marinade) and grill, turning over once carefully with spatula, until grill marks appear and tofu is heated through, 4 to 6 minutes total.
• While tofu grills, heat remaining teaspoon vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté greens, tossing with tongs, until beginning to wilt. Add reserved marinade and sauté, tossing, until greens are just wilted, about 1 minute. Lift greens from skillet with tongs, letting excess marinade drip off, and divide between 2 plates.
• Serve greens with tofu slices.

ASIAN-INSPIRED MUSTARD GREENS

Steps:

• Place the sesame seeds into a large skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir constantly until the seeds are toasted a golden brown and make a continuous crackling noise, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the seeds immediately to a bowl to stop the cooking process. Set seeds aside.
• Place sesame oil in the hot skillet, and heat until it just begins to smoke (this should happen very fast). Place mustard greens into the hot oil, and pour in water. With a spatula, gently toss the greens until they are wilted and reduced in quantity, about 2 minutes. Mix in garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sake, and sugar.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stir until sugar has dissolved, and cover the skillet. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the greens are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. If a thicker sauce is desired, remove greens with a slotted spoon, and cook the liquid down to desired thickness; return greens to the skillet, toss in the pan juices, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

ASIAN CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MUSTARD GREENS

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add oil and swirl to coat the skillet. Cook and stir chicken until browned, about 4 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, about 4 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Pour chicken broth and rice wine into the skillet; scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir 1/3 of the mustard greens into the skillet; cook and stir until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat twice more with remaining mustard greens.

THAI SPICES SHRIMP SALAD WITH ASIAN GREENS AND PESTO DRESSING

Steps:

• Make dressing:
• Blend basil, nuts and vinegar in processor until nuts are finely ground. With machine running, gradually add oil and blend well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)
• Make shrimp:
• Whisk coconut milk and curry paste in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until blended; bring to simmer. Add shrimp and simmer until shrimp are almost opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate shrimp in curry liquid, uncovered, until very cold, about 2 hours.
• Place rice sticks in medium bowl. Cover with very hot water. Let stand until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain rice sticks. (If using pasta, cook in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain well; rinse pasta with cold water and drain again.) Using knife or poultry shears, cut rice sticks or pasta into shorter (about 6-inch) lengths. Place noodles in medium bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat.
• Combine cabbage, bok choy, green onions and chopped cilantro in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide greens among plates. Top with noodles. Drain shrimp; place atop noodles, dividing equally. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Pass any remaining dressing separately.

GRILLED CANDIED-GARLIC SALMON ON CRISPY RICE NOODLES AND BABY ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Prepare candied garlic by combining garlic, water, wine, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes or until syrupy, but the garlic should not be mushy. Remove garlic to cool. Reserve syrup for the dressing.
• Marinate the salmon: Combine the fish sauce, lime juice, 1 clove of pressed garlic, ginger, and curry paste and mix well. Remove 1/4 cup of the mixture and set aside. Place the remaining mixture in a shallow bowl and add the salmon. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• To the reserved marinade, add the reserved syrup from the candied dressing and the remaining clove of pressed garlic and whisk well. Set aside.
• Preheat the grill.
• Heat 2-inches of oil in a large, deep pot to 350 degrees F. Fry rice noodles according to the package directions, a few at a time, draining on paper towels. (They'll look like Styrofoam.) Set aside. Keep oil hot for the next step.
• Coat the thinly sliced shallots with flour, shaking off any excess and fry until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel and set aside.
• Mix the snap peas, scallions and greens in a bowl.
• Remove the salmon from the marinade and grill about 5 minutes per side, or to desired degree of doneness.
• Putting it together: Toss greens with dressing and divide among 6 plates. Top each serving with crispy noodles, then top with a serving of salmon. Top each salmon with fried shallots and candied garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

ASIAN STIR-FRIED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• 1. In a large heated skillet, fry bacon until crispy.
• 2. Add onion, garlic, gourmet peppers, ginger and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir fry until onion ares translucent.
• 3. Add collard greens. Stir-fry for about 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat. Add remaining ingredients and a little water if needed. Cook for an additional minute or so.

WILTED ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Heat vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved (do not let boil). Pour hot dressing over greens in a large bowl and toss well. Serve immediately.

ASIAN GREENS WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onions in hot oil until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Place chicken in skillet and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until chicken is browned on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn chicken and season with garlic salt and black pepper on the other side. Transfer chicken and onions to a cutting board and chop chicken.
• Stir bok choy into the same skillet, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook until greens are slightly tender, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; remove from heat. Stir couscous spice packet contents and 1 tablespoon olive oil into water; add couscous. Cover saucepan and let stand until water is absorbed completely, about 10 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork.
• Spoon couscous onto plates, top with greens, onions, and chicken, respectively, and sprinkle tomatoes and Mizithra cheese over the top.

ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Whisk the oil and oyster sauce with 1 tbsp water in a saucepan. Cook for 2-3 mins until glossy, then set aside.
• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the greens, turn down the heat and cook for 2 mins, or until just wilted, then drain.
• To serve: cut any large bulbs in half and put on a plate. Drizzle the sauce over and serve immediately.

BEET AND ASIAN PEAR SALAD WITH BABY GREENS

Steps:

• In a saucepan simmer beets in water to cover by 1 inch, covered, 40 minutes or until tender. Drain beets and cool. Beets may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
• Peel beets and cut into 3/4-inch wedges. Peel and core pear and cut into 1/2-inch wedges. In a small saucepan heat jelly, lemon juice, and mustard over low heat, stirring, until blended and jelly is melted. In a bowl combine beets and pear with warm dressing, tossing to coat.
• Divide greens among 4 salad plates and spoon beet mixture over them. Sprinkle salads with chives.

UDON WITH TOFU AND ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Cook the udon noodles as the label directs. (Don't overcook or they will get mushy.) Drain, reserving about 1/3 cup of the cooking water.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Pat the tofu dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Add the tofu to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil and the greens to the skillet. Cook, tossing, until just wilted. Add the scallions, red pepper flakes, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the soy sauce and sugar. Add the reserved cooking water; heat to create a broth. Divide the noodles and greens among 4 bowls and top with the tofu.

SEARED ASIAN STEAK AND MUSHROOMS ON MIXED GREENS WITH GINGER DRESSING

Steps:

• Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil, minced ginger, chili-garlic sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil in small bowl. Add cilantro and stir to blend. Set dressing aside.
• Rub 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil over each side of each rib-eye steak. Sprinkle steaks with salt, pepper, and toasted sesame seeds; press firmly to adhere. Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer sautéed mushrooms to plate. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add steaks; cook to desired doneness, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to cutting board. Slice steaks. Toss mixed greens with dressing in large bowl; divide greens among plates. Top with steak slices and mushrooms and serve.

MARINATED TOFU SANDWICH WITH ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• 1. Wrap the slices of tofu in a clean dish towel. Place on a cutting board and set another cutting board on top. Place a can of tomatoes or the equivalent on top of the cutting board to weigh down the board. Leave 20 minutes. 2. Mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger and sugar in a wide bowl. Set the pressed tofu in the mixture, turn the slices over and leave to marinate 30 minutes. 3. Remove the tofu from the marinade, and pat dry with a paper towel. 4. Spread one piece of bread with mustard, and top with a mound of salad greens. Lay the tofu slices over the greens in a single layer. Lay the tomato slices over the tofu in a single layer. Top the tomatoes with the avocado slices. Stir together the mayonnaise and wasabi, and spread over the remaining piece of bread. Top the sandwich, press down firmly, cut in half and serve. Alternately, wrap in plastic, refrigerate and serve later. Yield: One sandwich. Advance preparation: The marinated tofu will keep for a week in the refrigerator. The sandwich will keep well for a day. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a bag. Keep cold if possible. Nutritional information per serving: 422 calories; 3 grams saturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 milligrams cholesterol; 36 grams carbohydrates; 9 grams dietary fiber; 854 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 18 grams protein

FIVE SPICE SEARED DUCK - ASIAN GREENS SPRING ROLL

Steps:

• For the duck: Rub the breasts with half of the sesame oil and season with five spice powder and salt. In a hot saute pan add the remaining oil and sear the duck breast, skin side down, until skin had started to get crisp. Turn the breasts over and sear on the other side for one minute, then turn skin side down again and transfer pan to a 400 degree oven and cook until duck is medium. About 6 minutes. Remove breasts and set aside. When meat is cool enough to cut, slice very thin.
• For the spring rolls: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, then add a small amount of Asian greens, carrot and cucumber to the center of the wrapper. Lay three or four slices of duck on top of the vegetables. Fold each side of the wrapper in towards the center so the sides just touch. Then carefully roll the spring roll up tightly making sure the seal is tight. Repeat process until all rolls are completed.
• For the vinegar: In a large bowl add all ingredients together and whisk.

WILTED ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon garlic, and cook until fragrant.
• Add cabbage; stir until it is just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat process with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic, and bok choy; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add to cabbage mixture. Repeat process with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic, and mizuna; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add to cabbage mixture. Repeat process with remaining tablespoon olive oil, teaspoon garlic, and the tatsoi; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add to the cabbage mixture.
• Combine vinegar, tamari, salt, and pepper. Pour over greens; toss, and serve.

STIR-FRIED LEMONGRASS BEEF WITH ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Freeze beef 30 minutes. Using large knife, thinly slice beef crosswise. Mix meat, lemongrass, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, soy sauce, 3/4 teaspoon sugar, and garlic in large bowl. Sprinkle generously with black pepper. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or chill up to 3 hours.
• Whisk 3 tablespoons oil, lime juice, shallot, chili, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 3/4 teaspoon sugar in bowl to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
• Place mustard greens, bok choy, onions, and basil in large bowl. Add 3/4 of dressing; toss to coat. Season salad with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Working in 2 batches, stir-fry meat until cooked to desired doneness, about 35 seconds for rare. Add to greens. Add remaining dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
• *Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
• **Opal basil has purple leaves and a milder flavor than sweet basil. It is available at Asian markets and some supermarkets.