Detailed Recipe for Stir-Fried Loofah with Gluten Puffs

Stir-fried loofah with oil gluten puffs is a light, classic Chinese home-style vegetarian dish. Tender, sweet loofah pairs perfectly with soft, porous gluten puffs that soak up savory sauce. It is fresh, mild, refreshing and quick to make, ideal for daily family meals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 fresh loofahs

150g oil gluten puffs

Aromatics

3 garlic cloves (minced)

2 thin slices of ginger

A small handful of chopped scallions

Seasonings

1 tbsp light soy sauce

A pinch of salt

A little white pepper

Half teaspoon sugar (to balance flavor)

Cooking oil

A few drops of sesame oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

   Peel the loofahs and cut them into thick oblique slices. Soak oil gluten puffs in warm water for 3 minutes to soften slightly, then squeeze out excess water gently to avoid breaking. Set all ingredients aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics

   Heat a proper amount of cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, stir-fry for 10 seconds until a rich fragrant aroma comes out.
3. Stir-fry loofah

   Add loofah slices into the wok. Stir-fry continuously on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the loofah turns soft and slightly translucent.
4. Add gluten puffs and season

   Put the squeezed oil gluten puffs into the wok. Add light soy sauce, salt, a little white pepper and sugar. Stir evenly so the gluten puffs fully absorb the sauce and loofah juice.
5. Simmer briefly

   Turn to low heat, cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Let the gluten puffs become tender and flavorful without being too mushy.
6. Finish and serve

   Drizzle with a little sesame oil if preferred. Sprinkle chopped scallions, stir once more, then turn off the heat. Transfer to a plate and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

1. Stir-fry loofah on high heat for a short time to keep its bright green color and crisp tender texture.
2. Squeezing gluten puffs properly helps them absorb soup better and taste more delicious.
3. Do not add too much water; loofah will naturally release water during cooking.
4. Adjust salt amount lightly for a fresh and light original flavor.
5. You can add a little oyster sauce for a richer umami taste.