Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) water spinach 500g (1.1 lb) water spinach
• 4 cloves of garlic 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the water spinach thoroughly and trim off any tough ends. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
2. 2.
   Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the water spinach to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
6. 6.
   Season with soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir-fry for another minute.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as a side dish with rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Water spinach — Make sure to wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. Trim off any tough ends before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a small amount of chopped chili peppers along with the garlic.
• If water spinach is not available, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as spinach or kale.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or increase the sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Be careful not to overcook the water spinach as it can become mushy. It should be cooked until just wilted and still retain some crunch.
• Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the freshness and vibrant colors.

Serving advice

Serve the Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic as a side dish alongside your favorite Vietnamese main course. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped spring onions for an added visual appeal. Serve it in a vibrant serving dish to showcase the vibrant green color of the water spinach.