Water Spinach Salad Recipe
Feeling sluggish in the summer heat? This refreshing water spinach salad is your ultimate lifesaver! The vibrant green leaves are quick to prepare and offer a crisp texture that you won’t be able to resist. Whether you pair it with rice or enjoy it as a side dish, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Give it a try!
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1.What is Water Spinach Salad?
Water spinach salad is made by simply preparing fresh water spinach and tossing it with a variety of seasonings. The vibrant green leaves maintain a crisp texture, and when combined with minced garlic, chili oil, and soy sauce, the flavor is simply divine! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Water spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, offering numerous health benefits. On a hot summer day, a plate of this salad can instantly boost your appetite and keep you feeling refreshed!
2.Ingredients and Substitutes
Ingredient Overview:
Water Spinach: The main ingredient, providing a crisp texture and rich nutrition.
Garlic: Adds a spicy flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Bird's Eye Chili: Brings heat, intensifying the dish's aroma and flavor.
Soy Sauce: A seasoning that provides saltiness and adds depth to the flavor.
Salt: Used for seasoning, elevating the taste of other ingredients.
Sesame Oil: Enhances aroma and improves the overall mouthfeel.
White Sesame Seeds: Garnishes the dish, adding texture and a nutty flavor.
Substitute Suggestions:
If you don’t have bird's eye chili, you can use crushed red pepper or chili paste instead.
If white sesame seeds are unavailable, black sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can be used as a substitute.
3.Preparing Water Spinach
Start by trimming the water spinach, removing the lower half of the stems, and discarding any tough stems or yellow leaves. Next, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, repeating the process several times to ensure all dirt and sand are removed. Finally, use a sharp knife to cut the stems into 3 to 5-centimeter sections.
4.Where to Buy Water Spinach
Water spinach is commonly found in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but is relatively rare in the U.S. and other Western countries. To purchase it, visit local Asian supermarkets, Chinese grocery stores, or Vietnamese markets, where it is typically available.
Additionally, online shopping has made it easy to order water spinach. You can find it on platforms like Amazon or other grocery delivery services.
5.What to Pair with Water Spinach Salad
White Rice: The refreshing water spinach salad pairs perfectly with fragrant white rice, providing a simple yet satisfying combination. The crisp texture of the spinach balances the blandness of the rice, making it hard to stop at just one bite.
Noodles: Whether it’s cold noodles or hot soup noodles, adding water spinach salad as a side dish instantly elevates the overall texture and flavor of the meal.
Congee: A bowl of light congee alongside water spinach salad creates a refreshing and appetite-stimulating combination. Consider pairing it with millet or pumpkin congee for added flavor.
Grilled Dishes: If you have grilled chicken wings or skewered lamb at home, a serving of water spinach salad is the perfect refreshing complement to cut through the richness.
Fruits: After enjoying the water spinach salad, treat your taste buds to some fresh fruit like watermelon or strawberries for an extra burst of refreshing flavor.
6.How to Store Water Spinach Salad
If you have leftovers, seal the container with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to finish it on the same day, as keeping the salad for too long can lead to bacterial growth and affect its taste and safet.
7.More Delicious Cold Salads to Try
Cold Tossed Wood Ear Mushrooms
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黃瓜)
Here’s a detailed recipe for Cold Water Spinach Salad. Let’s get started!
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INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 400g water spinach
ACCESSORIES
- 2 cloves garlic
- 5-6 small chili peppers
- 1g white sesame seeds
SEASONINGS
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1g salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 6ml cooking oil
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Remove any tough stems and yellow leaves from 400g of water spinach. Rinse thoroughly and cut into 3-5 cm pieces.
STEP 2
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 2 ml of cooking oil, then add the water spinach. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove and cool under cold running water.
Tip:
Adding salt and oil is key to keeping the water spinach crisp and tender.
STEP 3
Drain the water spinach and rinse it under cold water to quickly cool it down.
Tip:
This step is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture of the stems.
STEP 4
Prepare the dressing:
Crush 2 cloves of garlic and chop them into pieces. Slice 5-6 small chili peppers into rings. Sprinkle a bit of white sesame seeds. Heat oil in a pan, and once hot, pour it into a bowl to release the garlic aroma.
STEP 5
Add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce to the bowl and mix well.
STEP 6
After mixing, drain the cooled water spinach to remove excess moisture, then pour the dressing over it.
STEP 7
Toss everything together until well combined and flavorful.
FAQ:
1.Can water spinach be eaten raw?
Water spinach is a vegetable with tender leaves and stems that can be consumed, offering a crisp texture and unique flavor. When making salads or cold dishes, briefly blanching it helps maintain its freshness and nutritional value. If you prefer a refreshing taste, you can try eating it raw, but to ensure safety, it’s best to choose fresh, clean water spinach and wash it thoroughly before consumption.
2.Can I substitute water spinach for spinach?
Water spinach and spinach can be substituted for each other in certain situations, but there are some differences to consider.
Similarities:
Both are nutritious leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals. In simple cooking scenarios, like vegetable soups or boiled noodles, water spinach can partially replace spinach.
Differences:
Texture: Water spinach has a crisp and tender texture, while spinach is generally softer.
Nutritional Content: Spinach is higher in iron, whereas water spinach is rich in dietary fiber.
Cooking Methods: Spinach is suitable for dishes like spinach and egg pancakes, while water spinach is less ideal for this type of preparation.
3. How long can water spinach be stored in the fridge?
Fresh water spinach that hasn’t been washed or processed can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator, typically lasting 2 to 3 days. However, over time, it may gradually lose moisture and freshness. If the water spinach has already been washed or prepared as a salad, it should be consumed on the same day to avoid bacterial growth and maintain health.
4. What is water spinach in the Philippines?
Water spinach in the Philippines resembles the variety commonly found elsewhere, featuring slender stems and vibrant green leaves, and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. In the Philippines, water spinach is frequently used in stir-fries, soups, or cold dishes, and is sometimes added to specialty dishes to enhance flavor.
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