Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound water spinach, washed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
4. Add the water spinach and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender.
5. Add the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
6. Transfer the water spinach to a serving dish and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
5. Temperature:
- High heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Water spinach can be substituted with regular spinach or bok choy.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with peanut oil or canola oil.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add sliced red bell pepper or onion for extra flavor and color.
- Add sliced chili pepper for a spicy kick.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Cut the water spinach into 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Stir-fry the garlic for only 10 seconds to prevent it from burning.
- Stir-fry the water spinach quickly over high heat to retain its crisp texture.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stir-fried water spinach in a wok or skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stir-fried water spinach in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Grilled chicken
- Stir-fried tofu
Suggested side dishes:
- Egg drop soup
- Steamed dumplings
- Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the water spinach is too tough, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds before stir-frying.
- If the water spinach is too watery, drain it well before stir-frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Cook the water spinach to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Water spinach, also known as kangkong, is a popular vegetable in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Water spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stir-fried water spinach as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
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