North Korean-style Stir-fried Water Spinach

Ingredients

In this North Korean adaptation, the original Indonesian dish "Tumis kangkung" is transformed by incorporating North Korean flavors and cooking techniques. The dish now features traditional North Korean seasonings, which add a unique umami taste and a hint of spiciness. Additionally, the stir-frying technique used in North Korean cuisine ensures that the water spinach retains its vibrant green color and slightly crunchy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Tumis kangkung, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) water spinach 500 grams (1.1 lbs) water spinach
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the water spinach thoroughly and trim off any tough stems. Cut the water spinach into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and gochugaru to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the water spinach to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still slightly crunchy.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce over the stir-fried water spinach and continue stir-frying for another minute until well-coated.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as a side dish or a main course with steamed rice.

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 stems before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) according to your taste.
• For a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions before serving.
• If water spinach is not available, you can substitute it with spinach or other leafy greens.

Serving advice

Serve the North Korean-style Stir-fried Water Spinach hot as a side dish or a main course with steamed rice. It pairs well with other North Korean dishes such as Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) or Kimchi.

Presentation advice

Arrange the vibrant green stir-fried water spinach on a serving plate, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve alongside steamed rice. The contrasting colors will make the dish visually appealing.