Celery Kimpira Stir-Fry
Delicious Celery Stir-Fry Recipe My Family Love:
Do you find yourself wondering how to incorporate more celery into your family's diet? Or perhaps you're not a fan of its bitter taste yourself?
Fear not! This Kimpira Celery recipe may change the way you view celery forever. With a sweet and savory sauce masks any bitterness. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish to complement any meal.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by rinsing each celery stalk under cold water and wiping off any excess water with a clean kitchen towel.
Cut the celery into thin strips, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil to coat the bottom.
Add the celery strips to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, soy sauce, and Mirin until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the celery in the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another minute until the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the celery evenly.
Once the celery is tender and the sauce has reduced, remove it from the heat and transfer to a serving plate.
Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds over the top for a crunchy and flavorful garnish.
What is Kimpira?
In Japanese cuisine, Kimpira refers to a cooking method of stir-fry and simmer, typically used for root vegetables such as burdock root (gobo), carrots, and lotus root. The term "Kimpira" is derived from the Japanese word "kinpira-gobou," which specifically refers to stir-fried burdock root. However, the method has since been adapted to other vegetables as well.
To prepare a dish using the Kimpira method, vegetables are thinly sliced or julienned and then stir-fried in oil. They are often seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (a sweet rice wine), resulting in a sweet and savory flavor profile. Sometimes, sesame seeds or sesame oil are added for extra flavor and texture.
Kimpira dishes are known for being both delicious and nutritious. The stir-frying process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while still retaining their crisp texture. It's a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine and is often served alongside rice as part of a traditional meal.
Overall, Kimpira is a versatile cooking method that adds depth of flavor to vegetables and is a staple in Japanese home cooking.