Garlic Stir-Fried Malabar Spinach: Delicious Recipe for Summer Meals

Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. With its delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and nutritional richness, this dish not only complements rice but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore how to make this tasty garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach in the article below!

Origin and significance of garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

Malabar spinach, also known simply as spinach, is a common vegetable in Vietnam, grown year-round and easy to care for. For a long time, Malabar spinach has become an indispensable part of traditional cuisine, especially in rural home-cooked meals.

With its natural sweetness, cooling properties, and characteristic stickiness, Malabar spinach combined with garlic creates a dish that is both light and nutritious. Not just an everyday meal, garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach evokes memories of home and family bonding.

Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach dish

Ingredients needed to prepare garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

To make a delicious garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach, you will need the following ingredients:

• Malabar spinach: 300-400g, choose young leaves with small stems and vibrant green color.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, prefer local garlic for its strong aroma.
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Seasonings: Good quality fish sauce, sugar, MSG (optional), ground pepper.

Necessary tools:

• Frying pan
• Knife, cutting board
• Colander

Tips for choosing fresh Malabar spinach

Choosing quality Malabar spinach is crucial for making the dish more appealing. Keep these tips in mind:

• Select bunches of Malabar spinach with evenly green color, not yellowed or blackened.
• Prefer young leaves with small, crisp stems, and no fibers.
• Check for natural stickiness, slightly sticking to your fingers when touched.
• Avoid bunches that are crushed or have a strange smell.

According to culinary expert Cô Ba, young Malabar spinach is softer and sweeter, helping the dish retain its natural flavor.

Detailed instructions for making garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

1. Remove the old stems and damaged leaves from the Malabar spinach. Wash thoroughly with diluted saltwater and let it drain.
2. Cut the Malabar spinach into bite-sized pieces (5-7cm).
3. Peel the garlic, crush, and finely chop it.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic

1. Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan.
2. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté until golden. Keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3: Stir-fry the Malabar spinach

1. Add the Malabar spinach to the pan, stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of MSG (optional). Adjust according to family taste.
3. Stir-fry for another minute to let the flavors meld. Turn off the heat and sprinkle ground pepper on top.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Transfer the garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach to a plate, and garnish with some sliced chili flowers if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot with white rice.

Finished garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

Tips for keeping Malabar spinach green when stir-frying

To keep the garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach a vibrant green, apply these tips:

• Stir-fry over high heat to cook the vegetables quickly and retain their natural color.
• Avoid overcooking to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy and turning dark.
• Ensure the cooking oil is hot before adding the vegetables.
• If blanching the Malabar spinach, add a bit of salt or lemon juice to the blanching water.

Variations of garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

If you want to try new flavors, you can experiment with these variations:

• Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach with beef: Add thinly sliced, marinated beef.
• Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach with shrimp: Combine with fresh or dried shrimp.
• Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach with eggs: Use beaten chicken or duck eggs.
• Vegan garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach: Stir-fry with straw mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or soft tofu.

Nutritional value of Malabar spinach

Malabar spinach is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, including:

• Vitamins A, C, K: Good for eyes, boosts immunity, and supports bone health.
• Fiber: Aids digestion, prevents constipation.
• Calcium and iron: Strengthens bones, prevents anemia.

With its cooling properties, Malabar spinach also helps detoxify and cool the body, perfect for hot summer days.

Nutritional benefits of Malabar spinach

How to enjoy garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach is best enjoyed hot with white rice. You can pair it with:

• Savory dishes like braised pork belly, fish simmered with galangal.
• Soups like sour soup, bitter melon soup.
• Tomato sauce tofu for a vegetarian meal.

Frequently asked questions about garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach

Q: Is garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach good for pregnant women?
A: Yes, Malabar spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, but it should be consumed in moderation and cooked thoroughly.

Q: How can you reduce the stickiness of Malabar spinach?
A: Wash thoroughly with diluted saltwater or blanch briefly in boiling water.

Q: Can you store garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach overnight?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before eating.

Conclusion

Garlic stir-fried Malabar spinach is a simple yet nutritious and flavorful dish. Try this recipe in your kitchen to add variety to your family meals! Don’t forget to share your results with us!

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