Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 bunch of water spinach (about 300g)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash the water spinach thoroughly and cut into 2-inch pieces.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the water spinach and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the leaves are wilted.
6. Pour the oyster sauce mixture over the water spinach and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce is evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the water spinach to a serving dish and serve hot.
15-20 minutes
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Serving size: 2-3 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Water spinach can be substituted with regular spinach or bok choy.
- Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or soy sauce.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute the garlic with ginger for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Stir-fry the garlic quickly to prevent it from burning.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce to your taste.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the water spinach in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Chinese-style stir-fried vegetables or a simple soup.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the water spinach is too tough, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds before stir-frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the water spinach thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Water spinach, also known as ong choy, is a popular vegetable in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The water spinach has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, which is balanced by the savory oyster sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
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Region: Chinese