Easy Crispy Fried Water Spinach Recipe

Have you ever tried crispy fried water spinach? This isn’t just a tempting snack; it’s also a fantastic choice as an appetizer or a side dish for family meals. With its distinctive flavor and simple preparation, crispy fried water spinach promises to win over any palate.

The Unique Origins of Crispy Fried Water Spinach

Crispy fried water spinach carries the rustic charm of Vietnamese cuisine. Although its exact origins are unclear, this dish is considered an innovation using familiar ingredients from the Vietnamese kitchen. Similar to Japanese tempura or Indian Murukku, crispy fried water spinach quickly became popular, appearing everywhere from home dining tables to eateries and restaurants.

In the past, the image of street vendors with platters of golden brown, fragrant crispy fried water spinach was tied to many people’s childhoods. For just a small price, you could enjoy this “heavenly” snack with friends every afternoon after school.

Golden brown crispy fried water spinach piled on a plate

The Secret to Choosing the Best Water Spinach for Frying

Selecting the right water spinach is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy fried water spinach. According to food expert Nguyen Thi Lan, you should choose water spinach with small, tender stalks and a fresh green color. Older or oversized stalks tend to be fibrous and tough when fried.

Additionally, the common variety of water spinach (often with whiter stems) is generally crispier and sweeter than other types (like those with greener stems). When buying, carefully check the base to avoid waterlogged or diseased stems. To ensure maximum freshness, it’s best to buy it early in the morning.

Necessary Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

• Young water spinach: 300-400g
• Crispy fry mix: 150g
• Tapioca starch: 2 tablespoons
• Ice-cold water: 150ml
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, sugar (to taste), MSG (optional)
• Cooking oil: Enough for deep frying
• Chili sauce, mayonnaise, or sweet and sour fish sauce dip

Tools:

• Knife, cutting board
• Colander, basket
• Large bowl
• Deep pan or pot
• Paper towels

Quick tip: Soaking water spinach in water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar helps maintain its vibrant green color longer.

How to Make Authentic Crispy Fried Water Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Water Spinach

Wash the purchased water spinach thoroughly, discard any damaged leaves, and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7cm). Then, soak the spinach in diluted salt water for about 15 minutes to disinfect it. For extra crispiness, you can chill the spinach in the refrigerator before frying.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, mix the crispy fry mix, tapioca starch, and ice-cold water until well combined. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, sugar, and MSG according to your preference. Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes so it fully hydrates, which helps create a crispier crust when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Water Spinach

Heat the oil in a deep pan. Dip each piece of water spinach into the batter mixture and fry over medium-high heat. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Once golden brown and crispy, remove the spinach and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy fried water spinach on a plate, garnish with fresh cilantro or a carved chili flower if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot, served with chili sauce or a sweet and sour fish sauce dip. Savor it immediately to experience the melt-in-your-mouth crispiness.

A plate of freshly fried crispy water spinach ready to be served with dipping sauce

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Water Spinach

• Use ice-cold water for the batter to make the dish crispier.
• Fry the water spinach twice if you want it to stay crispy longer.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; cook in batches.
• Drain the excess oil thoroughly after frying to prevent the dish from being greasy.

Creative Variations for Crispy Fried Water Spinach

If you feel creative, try these novel variations:

• Crispy Fried Water Spinach with Sesame Seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds to the batter for extra flavor.
• Crispy Fried Water Spinach with Thai Sauce: Pair it with a tangy and spicy Thai sauce.
• Crispy Fried Water Spinach with Salted Egg Yolk: Sprinkle powdered or crushed salted egg yolk over the spinach after frying.

According to expert Hoang Van Nam, using different types of flour like tempura flour or creating unique dipping sauces are also ways to elevate the dish.

Nutritional Value of Crispy Fried Water Spinach

Although it’s a fried dish, crispy fried water spinach is still rich in vitamins A, C, iron, and fiber. However, due to the calories and fat from the frying oil, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can confidently make delicious crispy fried water spinach at home. Share your results with the food-loving community and continue exploring more exciting dishes on “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”. Happy cooking!