“Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer, no need for a doctor’s prescription.” In autumn and winter, besides radish and ginger, there’s one more everyday ingredient you shouldn’t ignore — garlic sprouts! Freshly harvested now, they smell wonderfully fragrant when pinched. Though sometimes pricier than regular vegetables, they’re worth it — flavorful, digestive, antibacterial, and great for overall health. Here are three easy garlic sprout dishes anyone can make.
1. Garlic Sprouts Stir-Fried with Tofu
This dish is simple but delicious. Perfect for older family members, as soft tofu and tender garlic sprouts are easy to chew and aid digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh garlic sprouts
- 3 pieces of tofu
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 2 dried chili peppers (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking oil
Tips:
- Choose garlic sprouts with green leaves and white roots.
- Tofu should be firm.
- Let washed garlic sprouts air-dry for 5 minutes to reduce water content.
- Slice stems and leaves separately; stems take longer to cook.
- Marinate tofu briefly in soy sauce and salt for better flavor.
Cooking:
- Heat oil, sauté ginger and chili briefly.
- Pan-fry tofu until golden and slightly crisp.
- Stir-fry garlic sprout stems 1 min, then leaves 30 sec.
- Add tofu back, a bit of soy sauce, stir for 10 sec, then serve.
2. Garlic Sprouts with Twice-Cooked Pork
This dish reduces pork’s greasiness while keeping it flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 300 g pork belly (with some fat)
- 1 bunch garlic sprouts
- 1 tbsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
- ½ tbsp sweet bean paste
- 1 piece ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp cooking wine
Tips:
- Boil pork with ginger and wine for 15 minutes, cool, then slice thinly.
- Stir-fry pork slowly to release fat, discard excess oil.
- Stir-fry ginger, garlic, sauces, then sprouts stems 1 min, leaves 30 sec.
3. Garlic Sprouts Stir-Fried with Sausage
Quick and easy — ready in 10 minutes. Great for busy families.
Ingredients:
- 2 Chinese sausages (choose sweet or spicy)
- 1 bunch garlic sprouts
- 1 small piece ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
Tips:
- Steam sausages 10 minutes before slicing to soften and remove extra oil.
- Stir-fry ginger and garlic, then sausage, then sprouts (stems 1 min, leaves 30 sec).
- Check seasoning; sausages are already salty.
Extra Tips for All Dishes:
- Wash garlic sprouts thoroughly; dirt hides between leaves.
- Stir-fry on high heat quickly to retain fragrance and crispness.
Conclusion:
Garlic sprouts are at their freshest now. These three simple dishes:
- Aid digestion and immunity for older adults
- Reduce fat absorption and boost energy for young people
- Save time for busy parents while keeping meals tasty for kids
Try these at home and enjoy flavorful, healthy meals this autumn and winter!
References:
- Chinese culinary guides on seasonal vegetables and health benefits, 2023–2024.
- Interviews with home cooks and nutritionists, 2024.
