Delicious and Nutritious Soybean-Braised Water Spinach Recipe

Soybean-braised water spinach is a simple yet nutritious vegetarian dish with a light and easy-to-prepare flavor. It’s not only a staple in family meals but also suitable for vegetarians or those pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Let’s explore how to make this delicious and authentic soybean-braised water spinach in the article below.

1. Why You Should Try Soybean-Braised Water Spinach?

This dish is loved in vegetarian meals for good reason. Here are the reasons why soybean-braised water spinach is a perfect choice:

• Simple and easy-to-find ingredients: Both water spinach and soybeans are common in Vietnam, easily available at markets or supermarkets.
• Nutrient-rich: Water spinach provides fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron. Meanwhile, soybeans are a rich source of plant-based protein, beneficial for heart health.
• Suitable for everyone: With its mild flavor, this dish is appropriate for both adults and children, especially those on a diet or trying to lose weight.
• Cost-effective: With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without breaking the bank.

Soybean-braised water spinach dish

2. Ingredients Needed

To ensure the tastiest soybean-braised water spinach, prepare the following ingredients:

• Water spinach: 500g (choose fresh, young, small-stemmed spinach).
• Dried soybeans: 100g (prefer round, firm beans).
• Green onions: 2 stalks.
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (depending on taste).
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, sugar, salt, cooking oil, pepper.

3. Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Remove old leaves and wilted stems from the water spinach, wash thoroughly, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Soak soybeans in warm water for about 2-3 hours to soften. Then rinse them with water.
3. Wash green onions and chop finely. Slice fresh chili thinly.

Step 2: Boiling the Soybeans

1. Place soybeans in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the soybeans are soft. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Braising Water Spinach with Soybeans

1. Heat a pot over the stove, add a little cooking oil, and sauté the green onions until fragrant.
2. Add the boiled soybeans and stir-fry briefly.
3. Add soy sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons), sugar (1 tablespoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and chili (if you like it spicy). Mix well.
4. Add water spinach to the pot and gently stir to ensure it absorbs the seasonings evenly.
5. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Once the water spinach is tender, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with ground pepper to enhance the flavor.

Finished soybean-braised water spinach dish

Step 4: Finishing and Enjoying

Serve the soybean-braised water spinach hot with white rice. To enhance the flavor, you can enjoy it with a soy-chili sauce.

Expert Tip:
“To maintain the green color and crispness of the water spinach, blanch it briefly before braising. This makes the dish more visually appealing and delicious.” – Chef Nguyen Van An.

4. Secrets to Delicious Soybean-Braised Water Spinach

To make the dish even more appealing, don’t miss these tips:

• Choose fresh water spinach: Fresh water spinach usually has a deep green color, small stems, and no yellowing.
• Soak soybeans long enough: Soaking the soybeans thoroughly will make them softer, more flavorful, and easier to absorb seasonings.
• Season flexibly: Adjust the amounts of soy sauce, sugar, and salt to suit your taste.
• Braise just until done: Avoid overcooking as the water spinach can become mushy and lose its natural crispness.

Nutritionist’s Suggestion:
“You can add straw mushrooms or fried tofu to the dish to increase its nutritional value and add variety to the flavor.” – Le Thi Huong.

5. New and Exciting Flavor Variations

If you want to innovate with soybean-braised water spinach, try these recipes:

• Add coconut milk: The combination of coconut milk with soybean-braised water spinach creates a uniquely rich flavor.
• Sauté lemongrass and chili: Sautéing lemongrass and chili before braising will enhance the dish’s aroma.
• Use fermented soybean paste: Replace soy sauce with ground fermented soybean paste for a richer flavor.

Food Writer’s Comment:
“Creativity in cooking always brings joy and inspiration. Experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature dish!” – Phan Thi Ha.

6. Conclusion

With the detailed instructions above, you now know how to make delicious and authentic soybean-braised water spinach. This dish is not only simple and budget-friendly but also very healthy. Try it today and share your results with us!

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is soybean-braised water spinach suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes! All ingredients are plant-based, making it ideal for vegetarians.

Q2: How can I prevent water spinach from turning dark when braising?
A: Blanch the water spinach briefly before braising or add a bit of lemon juice to the pot.

Q3: Can I substitute soybeans with other ingredients?
A: Yes. You can use tofu, straw mushrooms, or other vegetables according to your preference.

Q4: How long should I braise water spinach and soybeans?
A: About 10-15 minutes is enough to cook the water spinach until tender while maintaining its crispness.

Q5: What is the most important seasoning in this dish?
A: Soy sauce is the key factor in determining the dish’s characteristic flavor.

Q6: How long can I store the dish in the refrigerator?
A: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When eating, reheat it.

Q7: Can I use rock sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: Absolutely! Rock sugar will provide a more natural sweetness.

We hope this article helps you confidently prepare a delicious and nutritious soybean-braised water spinach dish. Don’t forget to follow Sổ Tay Món Ăn for more exciting recipes!