A lot of people encounter the issue of water spinach turning black, soft, and losing its crispness and vibrant green color after stir-frying. The secret lies in not rushing to put the fresh vegetable into the hot oil. According to chefs, there are two crucial steps to follow before stir-frying to maintain the vibrant green color, natural sweetness, and crispness akin to restaurant-style water spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of water spinach
– 1 clove of garlic
– Salt
– Seasoning powder/broth powder/salt.
– Cooking oil.
Instructions:
Step 1. Prepare the water spinach
When selecting the vegetable, opt for bunches with moderately sized stalks, neither too young nor too old, to prevent them from disintegrating during stir-frying. Pluck off the leaves, discard the tough stems, and if the tips are too long, cut them in half for easier cooking.
Step 2. Blanch the water spinach
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a dash of cooking oil and salt, and then blanch the water spinach for about 20 seconds. Immediately after, remove the vegetable and plunge it into cold water.
Blanching the water spinach in salted water with a touch of oil helps retain its vibrant green color and prevents discoloration during stir-frying. Salt acts as a “color lock,” while oil adds a subtle shine. Soaking the blanched vegetable in cold water further contributes to its crisp texture, preventing it from turning soft.
Note: Avoid over-blanching to prevent overcooking and losing the desired crispness.
Step 3. Stir-fry with fragrant garlic
Once the water spinach is drained, proceed to stir-fry:
– Heat oil in a wok or a large pan, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
– Toss in the blanched water spinach, season with a pinch of salt and chicken broth powder, and stir-fry swiftly over high heat.
– As soon as the vegetable absorbs the flavors and retains its crispness, turn off the heat and plate the dish.
Final Product:
– Water spinach prepared in this manner will exhibit a vibrant green color, a crisp texture, and will not turn black or mushy. The aroma of fried garlic blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of the vegetable, resulting in a dish that is not only visually appealing but also delectable, making it an ideal summer meal companion.
Note: This stir-fried water spinach pairs exceptionally well with boiled meat and a dipping sauce made from sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a perfect trio for family meals.
Good luck!
