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The Secret to Stir-Fried Water Spinach: Add a Crunch with This Simple Ingredient

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17 September, 2024

Ingredients for Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic

Water Spinach: 1 bunch

Garlic: 4 cloves

Cooking oil, salt, fish sauce, seasoning powder, and MSG

Lime, chili peppers

Steps to Prepare Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic

Step 1: Trim the water spinach into 8-10 cm lengths. Soak them in diluted salt water for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water three times and drain in a colander.

Peel and crush the garlic cloves, then finely chop them.

Step 2: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3: When the garlic turns golden and releases its aroma, add the drained water spinach to the pan. Keep the heat at a medium level and stir continuously to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: As soon as the spinach is just cooked, season with fish sauce, salt, seasoning powder, and MSG to taste. Turn off the heat; do not overcook the spinach as it will lose its crisp texture.

Step 5: Squeeze some lime juice and add thinly sliced chili peppers to the pan. Give it a final stir, and then transfer the dish to a serving plate. It is now ready to be enjoyed!

Some Tips for Stir-frying Water Spinach

To ensure crisp and vibrant green water spinach, it is essential to blanch the vegetable. After boiling, immediately immerse the spinach in ice water to retain its color and texture.

When stir-frying, use a generous amount of cooking oil (about 1 tablespoon) to give the spinach a glossy and appealing finish.

If you are preparing a large quantity of spinach, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.

Adding a splash of lime juice after stir-frying enhances the flavor of the dish, giving it a tangy twist.

For an extra indulgent touch, top the stir-fried spinach with roasted peanuts or crushed pork rinds.

Some Precautions when Consuming Water Spinach

Individuals with open wounds or scars should refrain from consuming water spinach as it may stimulate cell growth and lead to raised scars.

Water spinach can harbor a parasite known as Fasciolopsis buski, which can cause various symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, allergies, and diarrhea if the vegetable is consumed raw or undercooked.

People suffering from joint pain, gout, and urinary tract or kidney infections caused by stones, as well as those with high blood pressure, should avoid excessive consumption of water spinach.

The above are two simple methods to prepare stir-fried water spinach with garlic, along with some tips to ensure a delicious and visually appealing dish.

According to Xe và thể thao

Frequently asked questions

The secret ingredient is young tamarind leaves. Adding a handful of young tamarind leaves to your stir-fried water spinach will give it a unique crunch and a slightly sour taste that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

You can usually find young tamarind leaves in Asian grocery stores, particularly those that specialize in Southeast Asian ingredients. Look for leaves that are fresh and vibrant green, avoiding any that appear wilted or discolored.

If you purchase a larger quantity of young tamarind leaves than you need for a single dish, you can store them in the refrigerator. Wrap the leaves loosely in a paper towel and then place them in a sealed container or plastic bag. They should remain fresh for up to a week.

Add the young tamarind leaves towards the end of the stir-frying process. After you’ve stir-fried the water spinach with your choice of seasonings, toss in the tamarind leaves and continue cooking for just a minute or so. This will ensure that the leaves retain their crunch and bright color.

While fresh young tamarind leaves are ideal, frozen ones can also be used. Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to your stir-fry. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but they can still add a nice crunch and sour note to your dish.