garlic and amaranth

How to Make Garlic Water Spinach: A Simple Guide

Garlic water spinach (garlic amaranth) is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish popular in Asian cuisine. Here’s a simple guide to making it perfectly every time.

Ingredients: 500g fresh water spinach, 4-5 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, a pinch of sugar (optional), and a dash of sesame oil for finishing.

Steps:

1. Prepare the spinach: Wash water spinach thoroughly and trim the roots. Cut into 4-5 inch sections for even cooking.

2. Sauté garlic: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds) – avoid browning to prevent bitterness.

3. Cook the spinach: Add water spinach to the pan, stirring gently. Cover for 1-2 minutes to wilt the leaves.

4. Season: Uncover, add soy sauce, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is tender but still vibrant.

5. Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil, toss once, and serve hot.

Tips: For a crispy texture, blanch spinach briefly in boiling water before stir-frying. Adjust seasonings to taste – some prefer a hint of chili for spice. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, offering a healthy balance of greens and aromatic garlic. Enjoy this effortless yet delicious staple in under 10 minutes!