Steamed Sesbania with Garlic and Chili

Steamed Sesbania with Garlic and Chili recipe videos

Steamed Sesbania with Garlic and Chili is a light, savory vegetable dish made from young sesbania (dou miao) flower buds or tender leaves, typically steamed and then dressed with a fragrant mixture of minced garlic, chili, and a savory sauce. It is a popular home-style dish in various regions of China, particularly in southern provinces like Hunan and Guangdong, where fresh greens are celebrated.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very low in calories and carbohydrates, with virtually no fat, making it an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and essential minerals like potassium and iron. A typical serving provides around 40-60 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbs	6 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	250 mg
Vitamin C	25 mg
Vitamin A	3500 IU
Vitamin K	80 mcg
Potassium	320 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	90 mg
Magnesium	35 mg
Folate	60 mcg

Per 1 cup (150 g), steamed and dressed · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, sesbania (often called 'river tamarind' or 'vegetable hummingbird') is a foraged or garden-grown green, highlighting a tradition of using wild or semi-wild edible plants in Chinese cuisine. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of antioxidants and is valued in traditional Chinese dietary practices for its 'cooling' properties.