Vietnamese Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots – A Homely Dish for Family Meals

The Vietnamese stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots has long been an indispensable part of Vietnamese family meals. With its delicious flavor, simple preparation, and high nutritional value, this dish always brings a sense of warmth and closeness. Let’s explore the secret to cooking this dish to perfection, ensuring it’s vibrant and flavorful!

The Simple Origins of Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots

Amaranth is a common, easy-to-grow vegetable found throughout Vietnamese rural areas. During tough times, amaranth was considered a “lifesaver” for many family meals due to its high nutritional value and low cost.

The stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots originated from the creativity of grandmothers and mothers in the past. With just a few simple ingredients like amaranth, shallots, and a bit of seasoning, they created a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. The strong aroma of fried shallots blends with the sweet, refreshing taste of amaranth, creating a distinctive and unforgettable dish in Vietnamese cuisine.

Today, despite modern living, stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots remains a cherished dish. It’s not just a meal but a memory of warm family dinners.

Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots

Ingredients Needed to Cook Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots

To make a perfect stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Amaranth: 300-400g (choose young, fresh green leaves). You can choose green or red amaranth depending on your preference.
• Shallots: 2-3 bulbs (choose local shallots, small bulbs with thin skin).
• Garlic: 1-2 cloves (depending on taste).
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, fish sauce, salt, sugar, MSG (if preferred), ground pepper.

Tip: To enhance the appeal, you can prepare some crispy pork cracklings. They will add richness and flavor to the dish.

Secrets to Stir-Frying Amaranth to Keep It Green and Not Blackened

To achieve the perfect stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots, follow these tips:

1. Properly Prepare the Amaranth:

   • Remove wilted leaves, wash the amaranth thoroughly several times with diluted saltwater. Then let it drain completely. This helps the amaranth not release too much water when stir-fried and maintains its crispness.

2. Blanch the Amaranth (Optional):

   • If you want the amaranth to be greener, you can blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Add a bit of salt and cooking oil to the blanching water to keep the amaranth’s green color vibrant. After blanching, immediately soak the amaranth in ice water to preserve its crispness.

3. Fry Shallots and Garlic Until Fragrant:

   • Thinly slice the shallots and fry them until golden and fragrant in cooking oil. Remove the fried shallots and set them aside, keeping the oil in the pan.

4. Stir-Fry Amaranth Over High Heat:

   • Heat the pan with the shallot oil, add the amaranth, and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Season to taste and stir evenly for about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking as the amaranth will become soft and lose its green color.

5. Add Fried Shallots Last:

   • When the amaranth is just cooked, add the fried shallots, stir lightly, and then turn off the heat. This keeps the shallots crispy and fragrant.

Stir-Frying Amaranth with Fried Shallots

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Pick and wash the amaranth, let it drain. Cut it shorter if the stems are too long.
• Peel the shallots and slice them thinly. Peel and mince the garlic (if using).

Step 2: Fry the Shallots

• Heat cooking oil in a pan, fry the shallots until golden and fragrant, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Amaranth

• Use the same pan with the shallot oil, fry the minced garlic until fragrant (if using).
• Add the amaranth and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Stir evenly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish

• Turn off the heat, add the fried shallots, and stir lightly. Sprinkle with ground pepper on top.

Variations to Make Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots More Appealing

You can get creative with stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots by combining it with other ingredients:

• Amaranth Stir-Fried with Garlic: Use garlic instead of shallots.
• Amaranth Stir-Fried with Beef: Add tender, sweet beef to boost the nutrition.
• Amaranth Stir-Fried with Egg: Combine with beaten chicken or duck eggs.
• Amaranth Stir-Fried with Mushrooms: Add straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for a light vegetarian dish.
• Amaranth Stir-Fried with Shrimp: Stir-fry with fresh, peeled shrimp to enhance the natural sweetness.

Unexpected Nutritional Value from Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots

Amaranth is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, offering many health benefits:

Health Benefits:

• Good for digestion due to high fiber content.
• Boosts immunity with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Helps with blood production thanks to abundant iron.
• Supports strong bones with calcium and magnesium.
• Enhances skin health with vitamin A.

What to Serve with Stir-Fried Amaranth with Fried Shallots?

Stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots can be paired with many other dishes to create a delicious and nutritionally balanced meal:

• White rice
• Braised pork, fried fish, tofu in tomato sauce
• Sour soup, spinach soup

Conclusion

Stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots is not only a tasty dish but also embodies the traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese people. With its simple preparation and high nutritional value, it’s definitely a dish worth adding to your family’s menu.

Try cooking stir-fried amaranth with fried shallots following the above guide and share your results! Don’t forget to follow “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” to discover more delicious recipes.