Wok-Fried Spicy Garlic Celery: A Malaysian-Inspired Stir-Fry

Celery is one of those ingredients that seems to polarize people instantly. Many of us first encounter it raw, often cut into sticks and presented as a vehicle for dips like hummus or peanut butter. While there’s something to be said for its crisp, watery bite and subtle peppery notes when eaten raw, this humble vegetable often fails to shine in its uncooked form. But give celery a chance in the wok, and it transforms into something utterly magical. In Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking, celery is revered for its crunchy texture and ability to soak up savory sauces, making it a perfect base for bold flavors like garlic, soy, and chilli.

This particular recipe is inspired by a dish commonly served at large banquets in Malaysia, where plates of stir-fried greens and crunchy vegetables accompany more indulgent main dishes. It’s a dish that embodies balance: light yet deeply flavorful, crisp yet comforting, and extremely quick to prepare once you have everything in place. I often turn to this recipe when I need a plate of something vibrant, warming, and packed with umami—especially when I crave a bit of crunch to round out a meal.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

• Shaoxing Rice Wine (2 tbsp):
  A classic ingredient in Chinese cooking, Shaoxing rice wine adds a subtle depth and complexity to stir-fried dishes. Made from fermented rice, it has a dry, slightly nutty flavor that balances well with salty and sweet elements. It helps tenderize vegetables slightly and adds a distinctive fragrance.

• Light Soy Sauce (3 tbsp):
  Light soy sauce is the backbone of many Asian stir-fry sauces. Lighter in color and saltier than its dark counterpart, it imparts a savory umami hit that enhances every component of the dish. Its saltiness balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and the earthiness of the celery.

• White Sugar (1 tsp):
  A small amount of sugar helps round out the saltiness of the soy sauce and brings harmony to the dish. It subtly caramelizes during cooking, enhancing the sauce’s texture and adding a delicate sweetness that contrasts with the sharpness of the garlic and the heat of the chilli.

• Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp):
  A neutral oil is best for high-heat wok cooking, as it won’t interfere with the flavors of the sauce and aromatics. Vegetable oil heats quickly and provides an even base for stir-frying, ensuring the celery remains crisp yet tender.

• Celery (1 bunch, sliced on an angle):
  Celery is the star of this dish. Cutting it on the bias (at an angle) increases the surface area, allowing each piece to catch more sauce while still retaining its signature crunch. Cooking celery brings out its natural sweetness while preserving its fresh, grassy notes.

• Garlic (5 cloves, finely diced):
  Garlic is an essential aromatic here, infusing the oil and the entire dish with its pungent, warming flavor. Using a generous amount ensures the garlic remains prominent even when combined with strong soy sauce and chilli.

• Cornflour Slurry (1 tsp cornflour + 3 tbsp water):
  Cornflour (or cornstarch) slurry is the secret to creating that glossy, restaurant-quality sauce. It thickens the sauce just enough to cling beautifully to each piece of celery, creating a silky, cohesive finish.

• Malaysian Crispy Prawn Chilli or Crispy Chilli Oil (1 tsp):
  This finishing touch provides both texture and a powerful kick of heat. Malaysian crispy prawn chilli brings umami-rich depth thanks to the inclusion of fermented prawns, while crispy chilli oil is a great alternative for vegans, lending crunch and spice without any animal products. Either option infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic finish.

• Salt and Ground White Pepper (to taste):
  White pepper has a different heat profile than black pepper—milder and earthier, with a slight muskiness that complements Asian stir-fries beautifully. Salt is used sparingly here, mostly to balance the overall flavor once everything is combined.

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Cooking Method: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   In a small mixing bowl, combine the Shaoxing rice wine, light soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This simple yet powerful mixture will serve as the backbone of your sauce.

2. Heat the Oil:
   Place a wok over high heat and allow it to get almost smoking-hot. Pour in the vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface evenly. High heat is essential here; it ensures the celery cooks quickly while maintaining its crunch.

3. Stir-Fry the Celery:
   Add the sliced celery to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 1 minute. You’ll notice the celery becoming slightly translucent at the edges—a sign it’s starting to soften but still has a long way to go before losing its signature bite.

4. Add Garlic:
   Toss in the finely diced garlic and continue stir-frying for 2–3 minutes. The fragrance should become irresistible at this point as the garlic infuses the oil and begins to brown slightly around the edges. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

5. Incorporate the Sauce and Thicken:
   Pour in your prepared rice wine, soy, and sugar mixture. Quickly stir everything to ensure even coating. Next, give your cornflour slurry a final mix and add it to the wok. Continue stir-frying for another minute or so until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, clinging beautifully to the celery pieces.

6. Final Seasoning and Chilli Boost:
   Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed. Finally, stir in the crispy prawn chilli or crispy chilli oil, giving a few final tosses to distribute the heat and crunch evenly.

7. Serve Immediately:
   Dish up the stir-fry while it’s piping hot. The result is a wonderfully aromatic, crunchy, and savory dish that works beautifully as a side or even a light main course when paired with steamed rice.

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A Few Variations & Tips

• Vegan Version:
  Simply use crispy chilli oil instead of Malaysian crispy prawn chilli. The dish remains vibrant and satisfying without any animal products.

• Floral Twist:
  For a slightly different aromatic profile, add thinly sliced ginger along with the garlic. This introduces a warm, floral dimension that’s equally delicious.

• Protein Boost:
  If you'd like to make this more of a complete meal, tofu or tempeh cubes can be stir-fried alongside the celery, adding plant-based protein and extra texture.

• Make it a Meal:
  Serve alongside a bowl of jasmine rice or soba noodles for a simple, satisfying meal that feels nourishing and full of flavor.

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This dish, though simple, showcases how a few well-chosen ingredients and precise technique can turn everyday vegetables into something truly special. Whether you’re a long-time celery fan or a skeptic looking for a way to give it another chance, this spicy garlic celery might just win you over.