Ingredients for Water Spinach Salad
– 1 bunch of water spinach
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
– Spices: Fish sauce, salt, sugar, lime, garlic, chili
– Herbs: Vietnamese balm, mint, ngổ (a type of herb used in Southeast Asian cuisine)
How to Choose the Best Water Spinach
To ensure the best flavor for your salad, it’s important to select fresh and high-quality water spinach. Look for water spinach with small stems and no yellowing leaves. Avoid larger stems and leaves as they may indicate the use of pesticides and are not as good for your health.
Additionally, opt for water spinach with slender, evenly-sized leaves. This will ensure a more flavorful and aromatic salad.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy and Delicious Water Spinach Salad
For the water spinach, remove the leaves from the stems, leaving a few young leaves intact. Cut the stems into sections or keep them whole, depending on your preference.
Roast the peanuts until fragrant, remove the skins, and crush them lightly. Fry one part of the garlic until golden brown to sprinkle on the final dish, and use the other part to make the dressing. Prepare the dressing by mixing 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and the garlic and chili, finely chopped. Adjust the sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors to your taste. Wash the herbs, shake off the excess water, and chop them coarsely.
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the water spinach until just cooked. Immediately remove the spinach from the hot water and plunge it into ice water to retain its green color and crisp texture. Drain the spinach in a colander and squeeze out the excess water.
Place the water spinach in a large bowl, add the prepared dressing, and mix well, preferably with gloves, to ensure even coating. Let it sit for 8-10 minutes, then drain off the excess liquid. Add the chopped herbs and give it a final mix. Transfer the salad to a serving plate, sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fried garlic, and garnish with chili. Enjoy!
The Secret to Stir-Frying Water Spinach: Keeping it Green and Crisp, Even When Served Cold
“Master the art of stir-frying water spinach to perfection with these expert tips. Discover the secrets to creating a dish that rivals those crafted by restaurant and pub chefs. Learn how to transform this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering delight, with crisp, vibrant greens that are bursting with flavor.”