A Simple, Classic Side That Never Goes Wrong: Stir-Fried Kailan with Garlic

Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest ones. Stir-Fried Kailan with Garlic is a timeless favourite that shows how a handful of ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying.

This dish is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and works beautifully as a side for almost any meal. Crisp greens, fragrant garlic, and a light savoury sauce make it a reliable go-to when you want something fresh and comforting on the table.

Why Stir-Fried Kailan with Garlic Always Works

Kailan has a naturally robust texture that holds up well to quick stir-frying, giving you tender stems and slightly crisp leaves in every bite. Garlic adds aroma and depth, while oyster sauce and soy sauce enhance the vegetable’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

This dish is also incredibly forgiving. It cooks fast, requires minimal prep, and pairs effortlessly with rice and mains of all kinds. Simple, familiar, and dependable, it’s a side dish you will come back to again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

Fresh

• 300g kailan

Pantry Staples

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp water

• Salt and MSG, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Add the kailan to the pan and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.

3. Mix in oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, MSG, and water. Stir well to coat the kailan evenly.

4. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the kailan is tender but still crisp.

5. Serve hot as a side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir-fried kailan alongside steamed rice and your favourite protein such as roasted chicken, braised pork, or stir-fried tofu. It also works well as part of a simple home-style meal with soup and rice.

Tips to Make It Better

• Keep it crisp: Do not overcook the kailan. A short cooking time helps retain its crunch and colour.

  
  

• Extra aroma: Add a small drizzle of garlic oil at the end for a deeper fragrance.

  
  

• Protein boost: Toss in sliced mushrooms or tofu if you want to turn this into a more substantial side.

A Reliable Side for Any Meal

With just a few ingredients and minutes at the stove, you get a dish that is fresh, comforting, and endlessly versatile.

It is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. Simple, dependable, and always satisfying.

Happy cooking!