Cousin Louis and my father have become bamboo enthusiasts. Louis has planted his first acre of black bamboo to see how it does as a field crop. It is used as an ornamental and in several developing fiber markets. My father even ordered a special bamboo saw from Japan to trim his ever-expanding collection of bamboo varieties. Bamboo shoots are edible and it is a once-a-year treat to get them freshly sprouted. You can also find fresh bamboo shoots in many Asian markets and specialty produce stands. The ones on the grocery shelf are always at the ready year-round.
If fresh bamboo tastes very bitter, blanch it in salted water for 2 minutes, cool in cold water, then drain, and carry on.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Combine the broth, black beans, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sugar in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 2
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the oil and bamboo shoots. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the shoots are tender. Pour the sauce over the bamboo shoots and toss to coat. Serve at once.
