Water spinach is not only delicious and affordable, but it is also highly nutritious, containing significant amounts of iron, calcium, and zinc — essential micronutrients for a healthy diet. Additionally, water spinach is a rich source of dietary fiber, which can help alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation. For these reasons, it is one of the most popular vegetables, featured in both home-cooked meals and restaurant menus alike.
This versatile vegetable can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, stir-frying, making soups, and creating salads. Stir-fried water spinach is a particular favorite among many and is often a go-to choice in restaurants. The dish is also packed with vitamins A, E, K, and essential minerals like iron and calcium, making it a nutritious option.
However, there is a secret trick to achieving that perfect, vibrant green color when stir-frying water spinach, a technique that many home cooks may overlook.
The Secret to Stir-Frying Vibrant Green Water Spinach
Selecting the Best Water Spinach
To ensure your stir-fried water spinach turns out delicious, start by choosing the freshest and highest-quality water spinach. Look for bunches with thicker stems, and opt for smaller tips with slightly firmer stalks, as these will result in a crispier texture when cooked. Avoid leaves that appear overly shiny and dark green, as they may have been over-fertilized with excessive nitrogen or fertilizer.
Once you’ve selected your water spinach, remove any yellowing leaves, rinse the bunch thoroughly, and let it air dry. Prepare a basin of water with a pinch of salt, and soak the vegetables. The saltwater helps eliminate any hidden insects effectively and also disinfects the leaves. Allow the water spinach to soak for at least 20 minutes, giving any hidden bugs enough time to crawl out. Then, soak the vegetables in a diluted vinegar solution to ensure your stir-fried water spinach turns out crisp and avoids discoloration.
The Stir-Frying Technique for Crisp, Vibrant Water Spinach
After cleaning the water spinach, resist the urge to immediately start stir-frying. Instead, soak the vegetables in a mixture of water and a small amount of vinegar for about 15 minutes. The acidic nature of vinegar will help retain the vibrant green color of the water spinach during cooking, preventing it from turning dark. While you wait, prepare some finely chopped chili peppers and garlic for stir-frying.
Heat up your cooking oil, and add about 50% of the prepared chili and garlic to the pan, stirring until fragrant. Remove the water spinach from the vinegar solution, and shake off any excess liquid. When stir-frying, use the highest heat setting to prevent the vegetables from becoming soft and watery. Fry the water spinach for approximately 3-5 minutes until it is nearly done, and then season with powdered broth and seasoning to taste. Finally, add the remaining chili and garlic, and turn off the heat. Enjoy your perfectly stir-fried water spinach!
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