Method
Steps
- Mince the garlic3 cloves and set aside
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of oil
- Tear the lettuce300g into large pieces (or keep whole), blanch for 30 seconds — keep it bright green and crisp
- Remove immediately and rinse under cold water, drain well, arrange neatly on a plate
- Mix the sauce: oyster sauce2 tbsp + soy sauce1 tsp + sugar0.5 tsp + 2 tbsp water, stir to combine
- Heat the sauce in a small pan until just barely simmering, remove from heat, stir in sesame oil0.5 tsp
- Scatter the minced garlic3 cloves evenly over the lettuce
- Heat the cooking oil2 tbsp in a pan until just smoking (~180°C), pour it directly over the garlic — you want to hear a sizzle
- Drizzle the sauce over everything and serve immediately
Key Tips
- ✅ Don't blanch longer than 30 seconds — lettuce will go limp and yellow
- ✅ Rinse with cold water right after blanching to lock in the crunch
- ✅ The sizzling hot oil over garlic is the soul of this dish — don't skip it or use cold oil
- ✅ Prepare the sauce ahead; only pour at the last second to keep everything crisp
- 🌿 Iceberg lettuce gives the best crunch; romaine or cos also work well