Chinese Crispy Kale Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Snack

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious snack, Chinese crispy kale is a great option. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or when you're craving something crunchy and savoury. Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to any diet.

To make Chinese crispy kale, you'll need curly kale, oil, salt, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder. Simply toss the kale with the oil and spices, then bake in the oven until crispy. You can serve this dish as a snack on its own or as a side dish with your favourite Chinese meal.

If you're looking to add some extra flavour and nutrition to your Chinese crispy kale, consider adding some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or scallops are a great option, as they pair well with the savoury flavours of the kale and spices. Simply sauté the seafood in a pan with some garlic and ginger, then toss with the crispy kale before serving.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese crispy kale is an easy and healthy snack that requires only a few ingredients.
• Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Adding seafood to the recipe can add extra flavour and nutrition to the dish.

Ingredients Required

To make Chinese crispy kale, you will need a few key ingredients. Here are the main ingredients required for the recipe:

Kale and Alternatives

For this recipe, you will need kale. You can use any type of kale, but curly kale is the most commonly used variety. You can also use other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard as an alternative.

Seasonings and Flavours

To add flavour to your crispy kale, you will need some seasonings and flavours. Chinese five-spice powder is a common seasoning used in this recipe. You can also add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for extra flavour. Sesame seeds can be used to add a nutty taste and crunch.

Oils and Dressings

To achieve the crispy texture of the kale, you will need to use oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil or a combination of these oils. Sesame oil can also be used to add a nutty flavour.

Proposed seafood for this recipe is shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply sauté the shrimp in olive oil until they turn pink and are cooked through. Add the cooked shrimp to the crispy kale and enjoy!

Preparation Steps

Washing and Prepping Kale

To start with, you will need to wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the thick stalks and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Mixing Ingredients

Next, preheat your oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Spread the kale on 2 baking trays and drizzle with olive oil. Scrunch it with your hands to distribute the oil evenly. Mix the five-spice, sugar and sesame seeds and sprinkle over the kale, then roast for 7 minutes. Toss well, then roast for 5 minutes until crispy.

If you want to add some seafood to your crispy kale recipe, you can try adding some prawns or shrimp. Simply sauté them in a pan with garlic and olive oil until they turn pink and are cooked through. You can then toss them with the crispy kale and serve.

Remember to season your crispy kale with salt and soy sauce to taste. Enjoy your delicious Chinese-style crispy kale as a healthy and flavourful snack or side dish!

Cooking Process

Baking the Kale

To start making Chinese crispy kale, preheat your oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. While the oven is heating, spread the kale on two baking trays and drizzle with oil. You can use olive oil or sesame oil for an extra nutty flavour. Scrunch the kale with your hands to distribute the oil evenly.

Next, mix the five-spice, sugar, and sesame seeds, and sprinkle over the kale. You can also add some seafood to the mix, such as prawns or scallops, for an extra protein boost and a delicious seafood flavour. Bake the kale in the oven for 7 minutes, then toss well and roast for another 5 minutes until crispy.

Achieving Crispiness

To achieve maximum crispiness, it's important to bake the kale at a low heat for a longer period of time. This will ensure that the kale is thoroughly cooked and dehydrated, resulting in a crispy texture. You can also deep-fry the kale for an extra crispy finish, but this method is less healthy and can be messier.

Once the kale is crispy, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. You can enjoy Chinese crispy kale as a snack or a side dish, or use it as a topping for soups or salads. It's a versatile and healthy recipe that is easy to make and packed with flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

Chinese crispy kale is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and beef in black bean sauce.

If you're looking to create a Chinese takeaway experience at home, try serving crispy kale alongside your favourite Chinese dishes. The dish also goes well with a sweet chilli dip, which can be used to add an extra kick of flavour.

For a vegan-friendly meal, serve crispy kale alongside other plant-based dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or tofu.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or scallops can be used to create a delicious seafood and kale dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to serving Chinese crispy kale. To make the dish look more appetising, try serving it in a bowl or on a platter with other complementary dishes. You can also garnish the dish with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions to add a pop of colour.

To add some texture to the dish, try serving it with crispy prawn crackers or crispy noodles. This will not only add an extra layer of flavour to the dish but will also help to make it more visually appealing.

Chinese crispy kale is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking for a side dish or a main course, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack, Chinese crispy kale is the perfect choice. It is low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight. One serving of crispy kale contains only around 60 calories, which is much lower than most other snacks.

To make the recipe even healthier, you can use a low-calorie cooking spray instead of oil. This will reduce the calorie content of the recipe even further, without sacrificing any of the taste. Additionally, crispy kale is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, as kale is packed with vitamins and minerals.

If you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, crispy kale is a great option as it contains no animal products. It is also a Slimming World and Weight Watchers friendly recipe, making it perfect for those on a weight loss journey.

To make the recipe even more interesting, you can add seafood to it. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to crispy kale, as they add a delicious flavour and texture to the dish. You can also try adding some crab or lobster meat for a more luxurious version of the dish.

Chinese crispy kale is a healthy and delicious snack that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, low in calories, and packed with nutrients. Give it a try today and see for yourself how tasty it can be!

Storage and Leftovers

Once you have made your Chinese crispy kale recipe, you may be wondering what to do with any leftovers. The good news is that this dish can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a great snack to have on hand whenever you're feeling peckish.

To store your crispy kale, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. The kale will retain its crispy texture for a day or two, but it may start to soften after that. If you want to reheat your leftovers, you can do so in the oven or microwave, but be aware that this may make the kale less crispy.

Curly kale is the best type of kale to use for this recipe, as it has a slightly sweeter taste and a darker green colour than other varieties. However, if you can't find curly kale, you can use any other type of kale that you like.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your crispy kale, you can try using oyster sauce as a seasoning. This will give the kale a savoury, umami flavour that complements the crispy texture perfectly.

Finally, if you want to mix things up a bit, you could try adding some seafood to your crispy kale recipe. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition, as they would add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish. Simply cook the shrimp or prawns separately and then add them to the kale towards the end of the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to perfectly crispy kale chips?

The secret to perfect crispy kale chips is to dry the kale thoroughly before roasting. This can be done by using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Also, make sure to remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Roasting at a low temperature for a longer time can also help achieve the perfect crunch.

Can you give me tips for making kale crispy in an air fryer?

To make kale crispy in an air fryer, make sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking. Toss the kale with a small amount of oil and seasonings, and cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How do you ensure roasted kale doesn't become chewy?

To ensure roasted kale doesn't become chewy, make sure to remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and roast at a low temperature for a longer time to achieve the perfect crunch.

What are the health benefits of eating crispy kale?

Crispy kale is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. It is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying snack.

What ingredients do you need to make a Chinese-style crispy seaweed dish?

To make a Chinese-style crispy seaweed dish, you will need curly kale, vegetable oil or groundnut oil for deep frying, salt, light brown sugar, and Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Sauce. You can also add some prawn crackers for extra crunch.

How long should you roast kale to achieve the perfect crunch?

To achieve the perfect crunch, roast kale at a low temperature (around 275°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned and the leaves are crispy. Keep an eye on the kale to avoid burning it.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your crispy kale recipe, you can try adding some dried shrimp or squid to the seasoning mix. Simply grind them into a powder and mix with your favourite seasonings before tossing with the kale.