Stir-fried water spinach with garlic (蒜泥空心菜) is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful Chinese dish loved for its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh water spinach, washed and trimmed (leave 5cm stems)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
1. Prep the greens: Wash water spinach thoroughly and drain. Trim the bottom roots, leaving stems intact for crunch.
2. Sauté garlic: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high fire. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds)—do not let it brown.
3. Cook the greens: Toss in water spinach, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until leaves wilt but stems remain crisp. Add a splash of water (1-2 tbsp) if the pan gets too dry.
4. Season: Drizzle soy sauce and sprinkle sugar and salt. Stir well for another 30 seconds to coat evenly.
Serving Tip: Enjoy immediately as a side dish with steamed rice. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes! This dish balances garlic’s pungency with the spinach’s freshness, making it a staple in Asian cuisine. Simple, healthy, and delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners!
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