Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach – Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Garlic stir-fried water spinach is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. With its delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and high nutritional value, this dish not only complements rice perfectly but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to make the tastiest garlic stir-fried water spinach!

Garlic stir-fried water spinach dish

Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach – A Simple Yet Tempting Dish

Water spinach has long been a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. This vegetable is not only easy to find and affordable but also packed with essential nutrients. When combined with garlic—a common kitchen ingredient—garlic stir-fried water spinach becomes the ideal choice for quick yet nutritious meals.

Why Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach is Loved

• Easily Available Ingredients: Water spinach and garlic are available in most markets and supermarkets.
• Easy to Prepare: Just a few simple steps and you have a delicious dish.
• Distinctive Flavor: The combination of the natural sweetness of water spinach and the pungent aroma of garlic creates an irresistible dish.
• High Nutritional Value: Water spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting digestion and boosting health.

Ingredients for garlic stir-fried water spinach

Detailed Instructions for Making Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh water spinach: 300-400g (choose young, small-stemmed, vibrant green spinach).
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves (preferably local garlic for more aroma).
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Seasonings: Salt, sugar, MSG (optional), good fish sauce, ground pepper.

Steps to Follow

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Remove the tough stems and wilted leaves from the water spinach. Wash thoroughly several times with water and soak in a light salt solution for about 10 minutes.
• Cut the water spinach into bite-sized pieces if the stems are too long.
• Peel the garlic, crush, and finely chop.

2. Stir-Fry the Water Spinach

• Heat the cooking oil in a pan over high heat.
• Sauté the garlic until golden and fragrant, then add the water spinach to the pan.
• Stir quickly and evenly to keep the spinach crisp and vibrant green.
• Season with: ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of MSG (if using), and 1 tablespoon of good fish sauce.
• Continue stirring and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is cooked.
• Turn off the heat and sprinkle with a bit of ground pepper to enhance the flavor.

3. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the garlic stir-fried water spinach on a plate and enjoy while hot.
• This dish is best enjoyed with white rice or with a garlic and chili soy sauce dip.

Finished garlic stir-fried water spinach dish

Tips for a Perfect Plate of Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach

• Choose Fresh Water Spinach: Young, small-stemmed spinach will make the dish crisper and tastier.
• Sauté Garlic Thoroughly: Golden, fragrant garlic is key to the dish’s appeal.
• Cook Over High Heat: High heat helps cook the spinach quickly, preserving its green color and crispness.
• Don’t Overcook: The stir-frying should only last 2-3 minutes to avoid the spinach becoming mushy.

Creative Variations for Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach

If you want to switch things up, try these unique versions:

• Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Water Spinach: Add fresh or dried chili for a spicy kick.
• Garlic and Beef Stir-Fried Water Spinach: Combine with thinly sliced beef for added nutrition.
• Garlic and Fermented Bean Curd Stir-Fried Water Spinach: Suitable for vegetarians with the rich flavor of fermented bean curd.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach

This dish is not only delicious but also highly beneficial for health:

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Supports immune system enhancement and improves vision.
• High in Fiber: Promotes efficient digestive system function and prevents constipation.
• Cooling and Detoxifying: Especially suitable during hot summer days.
• Aids in Weight Loss: Low in calories and high in fiber, helping to effectively manage weight.

Conclusion

Garlic stir-fried water spinach is a simple yet tempting dish, perfect for every Vietnamese family. Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Apply the above recipe to showcase your cooking skills and enjoy this wonderful dish!

Don’t forget to follow “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” for more delicious and beneficial cooking recipes!

References

• Nguyễn Thu Hương, nutrition expert.
• Information on the nutritional value of water spinach from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health.