Blanched and dressed with sesame oil and salt
Blanched and dressed with sesame oil and salt is a simple, elegant Chinese side dish where fresh leafy greens, such as bok choy or choy sum, are briefly boiled and then tossed with fragrant sesame oil and salt. It's a staple in home-style Chinese cooking, prized for its ability to highlight the vegetable's natural sweetness and crisp texture with minimal seasoning.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a light, nutrient-dense option. It's an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron, with the sesame oil adding healthy fats and a rich aroma.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin K | 120 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 300 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 35 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Folate | 40 mcg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) of cooked greens · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The technique of 'blanching and dressing' (白灼) is a hallmark of Cantonese cuisine, designed to preserve the vegetable's vibrant color, fresh taste, and nutritional integrity. The final drizzle of sesame oil is a classic finishing touch that adds a layer of nutty fragrance without overpowering the greens.
