Food & Receipts

The Secret to Stir-frying Water Spinach: A Vibrant Green Dish That’s Irresistibly Delicious

With this mouth-watering stir-fried water spinach recipe, you're in for a treat! This quick and easy dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress. A popular Vietnamese side dish, this recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Administrator

26 July, 2024

Tips for Stir-Frying Water Spinach Without Discoloration

To prepare a delicious stir-fried water spinach dish, start by choosing fresh, vibrant green bundles of water spinach with tender stems and no signs of wilting or dryness due to lack of water. Water spinach that grows in abundant water tends to stay greener during stir-frying or boiling compared to drought-stressed plants.

Additionally, when purchasing water spinach for stir-frying, avoid thick-stemmed bundles. Instead, opt for smaller, slightly firmer stems as they will yield a crispier and tastier texture when cooked. Refrain from choosing water spinach with glossy, dark green leaves, as they may have been over-fertilized with excessive nitrogen or fertilizer. A fresh bunch will show traces of watery sap when the stems are gently snapped.

Secret to Delicious Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Blanch the Water Spinach Before Stir-Frying

A crucial step to maintaining the vibrant green color of your stir-fried water spinach is to blanch the vegetable before stir-frying. Blanching partially cooks the water spinach, ensuring you don’t need to stir-fry it for too long, which can lead to overcooking and discoloration. Additionally, adding a pinch of salt to the blanching water or a few drops of cooking oil will help the water spinach cook faster and retain its attractive green color.

Note that during blanching, you should not cover the pot and ensure the water level is just enough to submerge the vegetable. Remove the water spinach immediately after it turns bright green and plunge it into cold water to halt the cooking process. This prevents overcooking and preserves the vibrant green color. The result is a beautifully green stir-fried water spinach that looks irresistible.

Stir-Fry Quickly Over High Heat

One of the golden rules for stir-frying water spinach to maintain its green color is speed. Since the blanching process partially cooks the vegetable, stir-fry it quickly to allow the flavors to infuse while retaining the green hue.

Turn up the heat, ensure your wok is scorching hot, and then add the water spinach, stirring rapidly. Remember to add the tougher stem parts of the water spinach a little earlier than the more delicate leaves and tips.

Stir-Fry in Batches for Even Cooking

For the best results, stir-fry water spinach in batches that match the size of your wok. Stir-frying too much at once can lead to uneven cooking and over-crowding in the wok, resulting in crushed or unevenly cooked vegetables.

If you’re stir-frying water spinach with meat, shrimp, or squid, cook the protein first and set it aside. Then, stir-fry the water spinach until just cooked, return the protein to the wok, mix well, and season to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

The key is to blanch the water spinach before stir-frying it. This method helps to retain the vibrant green color and the crunchy texture of the vegetable. Here’s a step-by-step guide: first, wash and trim the water spinach, then blanch it in boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute. Immediately plunge the blanched spinach into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the spinach well and squeeze out any excess water. Finally, stir-fry the blanched spinach with your choice of seasonings and ingredients.

Look for fresh, bright green water spinach with crisp stems and leaves. Avoid any that appear wilted, yellow, or discolored. The stems should be slender and flexible, not thick and woody. You can find water spinach in Asian markets or grocery stores, and it’s usually sold in bundles.

First, wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim the roots and any tough or damaged parts of the stems. You can cut the water spinach into sections of your desired length. Some people like to cut it into shorter pieces for easier eating, while others prefer longer strands for a more dramatic presentation. It’s up to your personal preference.

Absolutely! You can add a variety of other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the water spinach so they cook evenly. You can also include proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own signature stir-fried water spinach dish.

You can season your stir-fried water spinach with a variety of ingredients such as garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chili peppers, or a touch of sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra flavor and texture. Play around with different combinations of seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile.