Stir Fried Water Spinach Recipe

Hey friends! Today, I'm sharing an incredibly simple and refreshing recipe for stir-fried water spinach. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a cooking pro, this delicious dish is easy to master. Give it a try and let your taste buds shine this season!

1.What is Water Spinach?

Water spinach, also known as hollow vegetable, morning glory, or water convolvulus, is a popular leafy green primarily found in East and Southeast Asia. It’s well-loved in these regions, though names vary; in China, it’s commonly referred to as 空心菜 (kong xin cai) or 通菜 (tong cai).

With heart-shaped leaves and long, slender stems, water spinach is a traditional vegetable used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and hot pots. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Tip: Like spinach and other Asian greens, water spinach cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to maintain its texture and flavor.

2.Where to Buy Water Spinach?

In the U.S. and other Western countries, water spinach can typically be found at many Asian supermarkets, Chinese grocery stores, and Vietnamese markets throughout the year. With the rise of online shopping, consumers can also conveniently order it through platforms like Amazon Fresh and Instacart.

3.How to Prepare Water Spinach

Properly preparing water spinach is key for the best results. Here’s a brief guide:

Remove Tough Stems: If the stems are thick and fibrous, gently break or cut them off, leaving only the tender stems and leaves.

Wash: Soak the water spinach in clean water, gently stirring to lift dirt and impurities, then rinse thoroughly.

Cut: Chop the water spinach into manageable lengths, usually about 2 inches.

Tips:

Avoid overcooking water spinach to preserve its texture and nutrients.

If it has a bitter taste, blanch it in boiling water before cooking.

Water spinach pairs well with other vegetables, meats, or seafood for added flavor and nutrition.

4.Ingredients and Substitutes

The ingredients needed for this dish include:

Water Spinach: The main ingredient.

Olive Oil: Plant-based oils are recommended; you can also use peanut oil, soybean oil, or canola oil, while avoiding animal fats.

MSG: A flavor enhancer that adds delicious taste; chicken bouillon can be used as a substitute.

Garlic: Elevates the dish's rich flavor and adds texture.

Salt: A seasoning that enhances the overall taste.

5.How to Make Perfect Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Select Fresh Water Spinach: Choose vibrant green stems that are crisp and free from yellowing or damage; this is the first step to success.

Thoroughly Wash: Rinse the water spinach well to remove all dirt and impurities.

Quick Stir-Frying: Use high heat for a fast stir-fry to maintain its tender texture and bright green color, avoiding overcooking which can cause it to become soft and yellow.

Control Cooking Time: Cooking time is crucial; keep the heat high to quickly cook the spinach while locking in moisture and nutrients.

Season Lightly: Use salt and MSG sparingly to avoid overpowering the fresh flavor of the water spinach.

Timing for Serving: Remove from heat when the spinach is vibrant green and slightly wilted to ensure the best texture.

6.How to Store and Reheat Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Storage:

Refrigeration: If you have leftover stir-fried water spinach, let it cool, then cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealed container before placing it in the fridge. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days to avoid spoilage. Freezing is not recommended.

Avoid Repeated Heating: Don’t reheat and store multiple times, as this accelerates spoilage and nutrient loss.

Reheating:

Microwave: Place the water spinach in a microwave-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn't dry out.

Stovetop: Add a little oil to a wok, heat it up, and quickly stir-fry the spinach just to warm it through.

Steaming: Place the water spinach in a steamer and steam over high heat for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Oven: Spread the spinach in a baking dish, preheat the oven to medium-high, and bake for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.

7.What to Pair With

Serving Suggestions:

With Rice: The refreshing taste of stir-fried water spinach pairs perfectly with soft, fluffy white rice. Enjoy a bite of rice followed by a bite of spinach—simple and satisfying!

With Noodles: Whether it’s soup noodles or biangmian, adding some stir-fried water spinach not only enhances the color but also enriches the texture. The chewy noodles complement the crispness of the spinach beautifully.

With Eggs: Try it with scrambled eggs or an omelet. The richness of the eggs combined with the freshness of the spinach makes for a nutritious and delicious dish.

With Fish: Dishes like steamed fish or braised fish work well, as the delicate flavors of the fish and the freshness of the spinach complement each other, making for a light and tasty meal.

With Lean Meat: Pair it with recipes like pork belly. The chewiness of the meat combined with the tender water spinach creates a rich texture that is delightful with rice.

8.More Delicious Recipe Recommendations:

Garlic Broccoli: A simple and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Cold Shredded Potato Salad: A refreshing and crunchy side that’s easy to make.

Hong Shao Eggplant (红烧茄子): A classic dish with rich flavors that highlight eggplant.

Napa Cabbage Stir-fry (Suan La Bai Cai): A tangy and savory stir-fry that’s quick and satisfying.

Here’s a detailed photo tutorial for making stir-fried water spinach. Let’s get cooking together!

If you enjoy our recipes, be sure to follow our official email for continuous updates on more quality content!