Introduction
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet delicious air-fried pak choi recipe. The combination of fresh lime juice and crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil enhances the natural flavors of the pak choi, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether served alongside noodle salad, tofu, or prawns, this dish brings a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 pak choi
1 lime
Olive oil
1 tablespoon crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Method
1. Quarter the pak choi lengthways and halve the lime.
2. Place them in the air-fryer drawer, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
3. Cook at 180ºC for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the leaves are slightly charred and the base is tender.
4. Transfer to plates, squeeze over the lime juice using tongs, and drizzle with the crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil.
5. This dish pairs well with noodle salad, tofu, or prawns.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Quarter the pak choi lengthways and halve the lime. Ensure the pak choi is clean and free of any dirt.
Step 2: Season the Pak Choi
Place the quartered pak choi and halved lime into the air-fryer drawer. Drizzle the pak choi generously with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over them for added flavor.
Step 3: Air-Fry the Vegetables
Set the air fryer to a temperature of 180ºC. Cook the pak choi for 15 minutes, shaking the drawer halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking and allows the leaves to become slightly charred while the base remains tender.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
Once cooked, carefully transfer the pak choi to plates. Squeeze the lime juice over the vegetables using tongs to avoid burning your hands. Finally, drizzle the crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil on top for an extra kick.
Step 5: Suggested Pairings
This dish pairs well with a noodle salad, tofu, or prawns for a complete meal.
Notes
Note 1: Selecting Pak Choi
Look for pak choi that is firm and crisp, with vibrant green leaves. Avoid any that appear wilted or discolored.
Note 2: Adjusting Spice Level
The crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil can be adjusted according to your spice preference. Use less for a milder flavor or more for additional heat.
Note 3: Air Fryer Tips
Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer brand. Always monitor the cooking process, especially the first time you make this dish.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Air-Frying Pak Choi
Air-frying is a method that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without excessive oil. Prepare pak choi by quartering it and seasoning it lightly. Cook at 180ºC for 15 minutes to achieve a perfectly charred and tender dish.
Cutting Technique
When quartering pak choi, lengthways cutting allows for even cooking and enhances the surface area that can be seasoned and charred. Halving the lime provides easy squeezing for fresh juice.
Seasoning and Flavoring
Drizzling olive oil, along with a pinch of sea salt, enhances the natural flavors of the pak choi. The addition of crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil provides a savory kick, complementing the freshness of lime.
Shaking for Even Cooking
Shaking the air fryer drawer halfway through the cooking process ensures that the pak choi cooks uniformly. This technique helps prevent sticking and promotes even char.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves as a delightful complement to various proteins and carbohydrates, such as a noodle salad, tofu, or prawns, making it versatile for meals.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables instead of pak choi?
Yes, other leafy greens like bok choy, kale, or even asparagus can be substituted, but cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil?
You can use regular chili oil or peanut sauce for a similar flavor profile, but the texture and crunch will be different.
How do I know if the pak choi is done cooking?
The leaves should be slightly charred while the base is tender. Checking for a fork’s ease in piercing the base can help determine doneness.
Can I cook this dish in a regular oven?
Yes, you can roast pak choi in a regular oven; just adjust the temperature and cooking time as necessary to achieve similar results.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
This air-fried pak choi dish is a simple yet flavorful option that highlights the freshness of the greens, complemented by the zesty lime and the rich kick of crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil. It’s ideal as a side or a vibrant addition to your meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Noodle Salad
Combine the air-fried pak choi with a cold noodle salad for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Use soba or rice noodles, toss in some sesame oil, and include shredded carrots and cucumbers for extra crunch.
Tofu Stir-Fry
Serve the pak choi alongside a tofu stir-fry. Marinate the tofu in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then stir-fry with bell peppers and broccoli for a delicious main course.
Prawn Skewers
Pair the pak choi with grilled prawn skewers marinated in lime juice and garlic. The charred prawns will complement the flavors of the pak choi beautifully.
Quinoa Bowl
Add the air-fried pak choi to a quinoa bowl topped with roasted chickpeas, diced avocado, and drizzled with tahini sauce for a nourishing and hearty meal.
Veggie Wraps
Wrap the air-fried pak choi with hummus and your choice of grated vegetables in a tortilla for a quick and healthy lunch option.
Rice Bowl
Include the pak choi in a rice bowl with brown rice, sliced radishes, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, finishing off with a drizzle of the peanut & sesame chilli oil for added flavor.
