Do you ever find yourself craving a quick, flavorful, and wholesome salad that’s ready in just 10 minutes?
Look no further! Allow me to present our tantalizing 3-Step Malabar Spinach Salad – a delightful culinary adventure that brings together the vibrant flavors of Malabar spinach and a zesty Garlic Sauce.
This refreshing salad is not only a breeze to prepare but also a treat for the eyes and a party for your taste buds.
What is Malabar spinach?
Malabar spinach (scientifically known as Basella alba or Basella rubra) is a leafy green vegetable native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is not a true spinach (Spinacia oleracea) but rather belongs to a different plant family.
Malabar spinach is highly regarded for its unique appearance, taste, and nutritional value.
Malabar spinach goes by the name “mu’er cai” (木耳菜) in Chinese, which translates to “wood ear vegetable.” This name is likely derived from its visual resemblance to another edible fungus called “wood ear” (Auricularia auricula-judae) when young leaves have a similar appearance.
What does Malabar spinach taste like
Malabar spinach has a unique and distinct taste compared to traditional spinach (Spinacia oleracea). It is often described as having a mild and slightly tangy flavor with subtle hints of citrus.
The leaves are not as earthy as regular spinach, and they have a refreshing quality that sets them apart.
When cooked, Malabar spinach leaves turn tender, and their flavor becomes more pronounced but still retains its mild and delightful taste.
Where to buy Malabar spinach
- You can find Malabar spinach at various places, depending on your location and the availability of the vegetable. Here are some common places where you can purchase Malabar spinach:
- Asian or International Markets: Malabar spinach is commonly used in Asian cuisine, so you might find it at Asian or international markets, especially those that cater to a diverse range of culinary ingredients.
- Local Grocery Stores: Many well-stocked grocery stores, especially those with a diverse selection of fresh produce, may carry Malabar spinach. Look for it in the vegetable section or inquire with the store staff if you cannot find it.
- Local Farms or Community Gardens: If you have access to local farms or community gardens, they might grow Malabar spinach. Connecting with local growers can be a great way to obtain fresh and locally sourced produce.
How to cook Malabar spinach
Ingredients:
- 400g Malabar spinach
- 2 tsp salt, (one teaspoon for soaking and another teaspoon for blanching)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the Spicy Garlic Sauce:
- 20g garlic, minced
- 20g fresh red chili pepper, julienned
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
Instructions:
Prepare and Blanch the Malabar Spinach:
Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut Malabar spinach into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Wash the Malabar spinach thoroughly under running water. Once clean, sprinkle a spoonful of salt directly over the spinach and gently massage it in. Then, soak the salted spinach in water for about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the spinach and ensures it is perfectly seasoned.
Next, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a teaspoon of salt and cooking oil. Gently place the Malabar spinach into the boiling water and blanch it for 1-2 minutes until the leaves become tender. Promptly remove the spinach from the boiling water.
Drain the Malabar spinach and carefully arrange it neatly on a serving plate.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
While waiting for the water to come to a boil, it’s the perfect time to prepare the tantalizing Spicy Garlic Sauce.
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and julienned red chili pepper.
In a small pan, heat one tablespoon of cooking oil until it sizzles and carefully pour it over the garlic and chili mixture. This infusion of hot oil releases the pungent aroma of garlic and the enticing spiciness of the red chili.
Add the sugar, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and black vinegar to the bowl, then mix everything together thoroughly. The harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors creates an irresistible sauce that will elevate the Malabar spinach to a new dimension.
Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the Spicy Garlic Sauce generously over the spinach, making sure each leaf is coated in the flavorsome dressing.
Malabar Spinach Salad with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 400 g Malabar spinach
- 2 tsp salt (one teaspoon for soaking and another teaspoon for blanching)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the Spicy Garlic Sauce:
- 20 g garlic minced
- 20 g fresh red chili pepper julienned
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
Instructions
Prepare and Blanch the Malabar Spinach:
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut Malabar spinach into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the Malabar spinach thoroughly under running water. Once clean, sprinkle a spoonful of salt directly over the spinach and gently massage it in. Then, soak the salted spinach in water for about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the spinach and ensures it is perfectly seasoned.
- Next, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a teaspoon of salt and cooking oil. Gently place the Malabar spinach into the boiling water and blanch it for 1-2 minutes until the leaves become tender. Promptly remove the spinach from the boiling water.
- Drain the Malabar spinach and carefully arrange it neatly on a serving plate.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and julienned red chili pepper.
- In a small pan, heat one tablespoon of cooking oil until it sizzles and carefully pour it over the garlic and chili mixture.
- Add the sugar, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and black vinegar to the bowl, then mix everything together thoroughly.
Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the Spicy Garlic Sauce generously over the spinach, making sure each leaf is coated in the flavorsome dressing.
