Looking for a quick and easy vegetarian side dish that is both healthy and nutritious? You’ve found it!
This 10-minute stir-fried water spinach with Fermented Bean Curd is the perfect way to incorporate leafy greens into your meal while adding delicious flavor.
In this flavorful recipe, fresh water spinach is stir-fried to perfection, allowing it to maintain its vibrant color and delightful crunch. The addition of fermented bean curd provides a rich and savory creaminess that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
What Is Water Spinach
Water spinach, also known as river spinach, Chinese spinach, or water morning glory, is a popular leafy green vegetable in East and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Known as “rau muống” in Vietnamese, water spinach is referred to by various names in different regions of China, such as “Kōng Xīn Cài,” “Tōng Cài,” “ong choy,” and more.
This vegetable has a tender and slightly crunchy texture with a mild, spinach-like flavor. It is versatile and can be cooked in various ways, such as stir-frying, boiling, or steaming. Water spinach is often used in dishes like stir-fries, soups, and salads.
When stir-fried, water spinach becomes tender and vibrant, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The dish, known as Water Spinach Stir-Fry, showcases the flavors and textures of this versatile vegetable. Enjoy the crispy stems and tender leaves in this delicious and nutritious stir-fry!
INGREDIENTS
- 400 g water spinach
- 3 pieces fermented bean curd( with some fermented water)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 1/4 pinch salt
- 1/4 pinch sugar
- 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 20g fresh red chili pepper, julienned
Instructions
Here’s a quick guide on how to stir-fry water spinach without it turning black:
Step 1: Prepare The water spinach
Take a handful of water spinach, remove the root ends, and cut it into manageable pieces.
Soak the water spinach in salt water for 5 minutes.
Rinse the water spinach under running water, using your hands to gently rub the leaves and stems.
Inspect the water spinach for any remaining dirt or grit. If necessary, repeat the rinsing process.
Draining the water spinach ensures that it is not excessively wet, which can affect the texture and cooking process.
STEP 2: prepare fermented bean curd mixture
In this step, I will combine the seasonings to create a flavorful mixture for the dish.
Finely chop some garlic and slice fresh red chili pepper for added color.
In an empty bowl, combine 3 pieces of white fermented bean curd with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine. Don’t forget to add some fermented water. Stir until well mixed.
STEP 3: Stir-Fry water spinach
In this step, I will proceed with stir-frying the dish to bring out the flavors and textures of the ingredients.
Heat oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red chili pepper.
Add the water spinach to the pan once the garlic becomes aromatic. Stir-fry over high heat and quickly to maintain its vibrant green color.
Then pour in the fermented bean curd mixture. Stir-fry until the water spinach is evenly coated.
Transfer the delicious water spinach stir-fry to a plate. It’s a flavorful and affordable dish.
These simple steps will help you achieve a delicious and vibrant water spinach stir-fry without it turning black. Enjoy your meal!
Tips for Perfectly Stir-Frying Water Spinach
- Prepare in advance: Wash the water spinach thoroughly, trim the ends, and have all the ingredients ready before you start stir-frying.
- High heat: Use a high heat setting on your stove or burner to quickly cook the water spinach and retain its vibrant color and crispness.
- Quick cooking: Water spinach cooks quickly, usually within a few minutes. Aim for a tender-crisp texture, so it retains its vibrant color and freshness.
- Work in batches: If you have a large amount of water spinach, stir-fry it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Stir constantly: Keep the water spinach moving in the pan by continuously stirring or tossing it. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents it from sticking or burning.
- Serve immediately: Once the water spinach is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy it immediately. This ensures you savor the vibrant flavors and textures.
10-Minute Water Spinach Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 400 g water spinach
- 3 pieces fermented bean curd with some fermented water
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 1/4 pinch salt
- 1/4 pinch sugar
- 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 20 g fresh red chili pepper julienned
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The water spinach
- Take a handful of water spinach, remove the root ends, and cut it into manageable pieces.
- Soak the water spinach in salt water for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the water spinach under running water, using your hands to gently rub the leaves and stems.
- Inspect the water spinach for any remaining dirt or grit. If necessary, repeat the rinsing process.
- Draining the water spinach ensures that it is not excessively wet, which can affect the texture and cooking process.
STEP 2: prepare fermented bean curd mixture
- Finely chop some garlic and slice fresh red chili pepper for added color.
- In an empty bowl, combine 3 pieces of white fermented bean curd with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine. Don't forget to add some fermented water. Stir until well mixed.
STEP 3: Stir-Fry water spinach
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red chili pepper.
- Add the water spinach to the pan once the garlic becomes aromatic. Stir-fry over high heat and quickly to maintain its vibrant green color.
- Then pour in the fermented bean curd mixture. Stir-fry until the water spinach is evenly coated.
- Transfer the delicious water spinach stir-fry to a plate. It's a flavorful and affordable dish.
