Water spinach, also known as ong choy or kangkung, is a delicious and nutritious green vegetable that’s incredibly versatile. Its slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of cuisines, and today we’re focusing on a simple yet incredibly flavorful garlic-based preparation. This recipe highlights the natural taste of the water spinach while adding a fragrant garlic punch that elevates the dish to a whole new level. It's a perfect side dish for any meal, ready in minutes, and requiring minimal ingredients. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a quick and healthy addition to your table.
This easy garlic water spinach recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The simple technique allows the water spinach to retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, while the garlic infuses it with a captivating aroma. Ready to transform this humble vegetable into a culinary star? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to create this delicious and satisfying side dish.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Water spinach: 2 bunches
- Garlic: 2 heads
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Water
- Oil
- Salt: a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Water Spinach
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the water spinach and blanch for a few seconds.
- Immediately rinse the water spinach in cold water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2. Sauté and Prepare Garlic
- Mince two heads of garlic.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté half of the minced garlic until fragrant. Set aside.
- Continue cooking the remaining garlic until golden and crunchy. Set aside for garnish.
Step 3. Make the Sauce and Combine
- In the same pan, return the sautéed garlic (not the crispy one). Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, vinegar, and water. Let it simmer.
- Add the blanched water spinach to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with the crispy garlic.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- This dish is perfect as a side dish or with rice.
- If you love garlic, you'll enjoy this recipe.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 2-5g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-6g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of greens instead of water spinach?
While water spinach is ideal for this recipe due to its texture, you can experiment with other leafy greens like spinach or choy sum. Keep in mind the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the garlic while it's sautéing. You can also add a dash of your favorite chili oil at the end.
3. What can I serve this garlic water spinach with?
It's a fantastic side dish with almost anything! It pairs well with stir-fries, grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a simple accompaniment to noodles.
This simple garlic water spinach recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy home-cooked meals can be. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you’ve created a flavorful side dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying addition to your culinary repertoire!