Stir-Fried Spinach with
Mushrooms and Sesame
(Bō Cài Xiāng Gū Zhī Má Chǎo 菠菜香菇芝麻炒)
As spring advances, meals naturally become simpler and lighter, emphasizing fresh greens and quick cooking methods. Stir-fried spinach with mushrooms and sesame is a classic example of a transitional spring dish: nourishing without heaviness, warming without excess, and easy to prepare using everyday ingredients. It works well as a side dish or as part of a small, balanced meal.
In traditional Chinese dietary thought, spinach (bō cài 菠菜) is mildly cooling and supports blood and fluid nourishment, making it suitable for spring when the body begins to move outward and upward after winter. Mushrooms, especially shiitake (xiāng gū 香菇), add grounding and depth, supporting digestion and overall vitality. A small amount of sesame oil (zhī má yóu 芝麻油) provides warmth and aroma, helping balance the cooling nature of the greens and enhancing flavor without heaviness.
This dish benefits from quick cooking to preserve color, texture, and nutritional value.
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- 10–12 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button), sliced
- 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Preparation:
Wash the spinach thoroughly and drain well. If using shiitake mushrooms, remove the stems and slice the caps. Heat a wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Add the garlic and stir briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they soften and release their aroma. Add the spinach and toss quickly until just wilted and bright green, usually 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and season lightly with salt. Toss once more to combine.
Serving suggestion:
Serve immediately while hot. This dish pairs well with rice, barley, or other grains, and complements lighter spring soups or congee.
Seasonal note:
Spring dishes should encourage circulation and renewal without burdening digestion. Lightly cooked greens with aromatic accents, such as sesame and garlic, support smooth energy flow while respecting the season’s emphasis on freshness and balance.
