Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs

Chinese chives, or Chinese leeks, are versatile and flavorful Asian vegetables. They are commonly known in Chinese cooking as "Jiu Cai." Chives are members of the lily family. In Asia, chives are used to season many foods. The chives alone are well known for helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In traditional Chinese medicine, chives are also nicknamed "scavengers" (because they clean out your stomach).

Don't confuse Chinese chives with Western chives. Chinese chives have flat leaves that are dark green and have a strong fragrance. American chives have thin, hollow, and tubular leaves with a bright green color. On the functional side, Chinese chives offer a more robust flavor and are typically used in stir fry and dumplings, while American chives are milder and often serve as a garnish.

Chinese chives go very well with eggs, making it one of my favorite dishes. There are two ways to cook them. Some people prefer to scramble the eggs first before throwing in the chives. Others prefer mixing the chives with the eggs first, then putting the mixture into the wok together. It all depends on personal preference. I used the second method in this recipe.

• Chinese chives: They are the main ingredient of this recipe! You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, Asian markets, or farmers' markets. If you can't find Chinese chives, you can use regular chives or green onions as substitutes, although they will give slightly different results and flavors.
• Large eggs
• Cooking oil: I used vegetable oil for this recipe. Feel free to use any oil.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty and toasty flavor to this dish. It is an optional step, but it should be added at the very end of cooking as a finishing touch.
• Sugar: Sugar balances the chives' savory and slightly bitter flavor, adding a mild sweetness to the dish. It helps to round out the flavors. If you don't like the sweet taste, leave it out.
• Salt and black pepper: White pepper also works!

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and pat dry a bunch of Chinese chives. Chop them into 1-inch small pieces or bite-sized pieces. Crack 6 eggs into a large bowl, add salt, black pepper, and sugar, and beat until well combined. Set aside.

Mix the chives with beaten eggs: Add the chopped chives to the beaten eggs and stir to distribute the chives evenly.

Heat the pan: Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until hot.

Cook the egg mixture: Pour the egg and chive mixture into the pan. Let it sit for a few seconds to set slightly. Gently stir the mixture, pushing the edges toward the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow outward. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the chives are tender and fragrant. Avoid overcooking to keep the eggs tender.

Finishing and serving: Drizzle a little bit of sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it one last toss(Optional). Transfer the chive stir-fried eggs to a plate, and serve with white rice. Enjoy!

Here are some tips for this Chinese chive egg stir fry recipe:

Freshness is key: Select bright green, firm Chinese chives for the best flavor. Avoid any that are wilted or yellowing.

Prep carefully: Rinse the chives thoroughly to remove dirt, and pat them dry before chopping.

Quick cooking: Chinese chives cook quickly, so sauté them over medium-high heat for just a few minutes to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.

Here are some variations and different ways to enjoy Chinese chive for different flavors and textures:

Chive pancakes: Mix chopped Chinese chives into a batter of flour and water, then pan-fry until golden for a savory pancake.

Chive dumplings: For delicious homemade dumplings, use Chinese chives, minced pork, firm tofu, or shrimp as dumpling fillings.

Spicy chive salad: Toss raw Chinese chives with chili oil, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for a refreshing and spicy salad.

In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious Chinese chive stir-fry egg dish that's perfect for any meal. The combination of tender eggs and aromatic Chinese chives offers a balance of flavors and textures, making it easy to prepare and enjoy. Give it a try next time; I promise you will love it!

Enjoy your Chinese chives with eggs. Happy cooking!

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