Can You Fry Lettuce

Lettuce brings good fortune when grown in a garden so one way to bring good luck is to try a new stir-fried recipe with lettuce? Lettuce can be stir-fried in numerous ways with herbs and spices for a delicious side dish.

Every year the Chinese celebrate the Chinese New Year in January. Many foods are eaten at this festival. But one, lettuce, is considered very important. The word for lettuce in the Chinese language means “grow fortune”. It is devoured by the Chinese dragon and this promises a prosperous new year. The lettuce scattered in the streets is not swept up but is left to nature. Sweeping is considered equal to sweeping away the good fortune.

Stir-fried Good Luck Lettuce

12 ounces lettuce, washed and dried
1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy
½ tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red pepper
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Combine vinegar, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add onion, red pepper, and ginger. Stir-fry for about one minute. Add lettuce and stir-fry 1-2 minutes or until it just begins to wilt.

Stir in vinegar mixture. Continue to stir-fry 30 seconds or until lettuce wilts and loses crispness. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

For more information about lettuce read:

How to Revive Leafy Greens
Recipe for Lettuce Soup