Craving a quick and vibrant dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Let me take you on a flavor journey with this irresistible stir-fried water spinach, where every bite promises a savory-sweet symphony that’ll wake up your taste buds in no time!
I think Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry is a nutritious and delicious dish that I love making. With fresh water spinach, garlic, and a blend of soy, oyster, and fish sauces, this quick stir fry offers a wonderful balance of flavors.
Its high vitamin content makes it a healthy choice.
Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe Ingredients
- Water Spinach (Kangkong): High in fiber; promotes digestion; rich in vitamins A and C.
- Garlic: Adds bold flavor; supports immune health; potent antioxidants.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami; enhances depth; contains sodium.
- Oyster Sauce: Sweet and savory; adds richness; enhances umami.
- Fish Sauce: Intensifies umami; salty; made from fermented fish.
Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 300 grams of fresh water spinach (kangkong), washed and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make this Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic and golden brown, about 30 seconds.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the chopped water spinach to the pan.
4. Stir-fry the spinach quickly for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to wilt.
5. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the spinach and stir well to combine.
6. Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
7. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir everything together until the spinach is tender but still bright green.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or sugar if desired.
9. Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fried spinach to a serving plate.
10. Serve immediately as a side dish or over rice for a simple meal.
Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pan or wok
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Serving plate
FAQ
- What is water spinach? Water spinach, also known as kangkong or morning glory, is a leafy green vegetable popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s tender with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Can I substitute another green for water spinach? Yes, if water spinach isn’t available, you can use another leafy green like spinach or Swiss chard, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Is this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is not vegetarian due to the fish sauce and oyster sauce. To make it vegetarian, you can omit the fish sauce and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Can I use another type of oil? Absolutely, you can use any neutral oil such as canola or sunflower oil. For an added flavor twist, you could even use sesame oil.
- Is sugar essential in this recipe? Sugar balances the salty and savory flavors, but if you prefer, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- How should I serve this stir fry? This stir fry pairs well as a side dish with steamed rice or can be part of a larger meal with grilled meats or tofu.
- How long will leftovers keep? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.
Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: substitute with olive oil or canola oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: substitute with tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: substitute with hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce: substitute with soy sauce mixed with a squeeze of lime
Pro Tips
1. Garlic Aroma: Make sure to add the garlic to the oil while it’s heating up to slowly infuse the oil with its aroma. Don’t let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
2. High Heat Stir-Fry: For best results, ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding the water spinach. The key to making perfect stir-fried vegetables is to cook them quickly over high heat to maintain their crispiness and bright color.
3. Balanced Seasoning: Adjust the balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce according to taste. If you prefer a more savory dish, increase the soy sauce, and if you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar.
4. Add Extra Texture: Consider adding a handful of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts at the end for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
5. Acidic Finish: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving for a fresh, acidic finish that will brighten up the flavors of the dish.
Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe
My favorite Simple Water Spinach Stir Fry Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pan or wok
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Serving plate
Ingredients:
- 300 grams of fresh water spinach (kangkong), washed and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic and golden brown, about 30 seconds.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the chopped water spinach to the pan.
4. Stir-fry the spinach quickly for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to wilt.
5. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the spinach and stir well to combine.
6. Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
7. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir everything together until the spinach is tender but still bright green.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or sugar if desired.
9. Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fried spinach to a serving plate.
10. Serve immediately as a side dish or over rice for a simple meal.
