Description
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired side dish featuring tender Swiss chard sautéed in a fragrant blend of sesame and vegetable oils, garlic, and seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and great as a healthy complement to rice, grilled meats, or tofu.
Ingredients
Swiss Chard and Seasonings
- 1 large bunch Swiss chard (about 8 cups, stems removed and leaves chopped)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Oils and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat Oils and Sauté Garlic: Warm the sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Swiss Chard: Add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the leaves are wilted and tender.
- Season with Sauce and Flavors: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the cooked Swiss chard before serving to add a nutty crunch and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
Notes
- For extra texture, sauté the Swiss chard stems for a few minutes before adding the leaves.
- This side dish pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled meats, or tofu.
