Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish? Look no further than this stir-fried Chinese spinach recipe! This vibrant green vegetable, known for its slightly bitter yet subtly sweet taste, is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and minerals. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute addition to your meal. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep work; this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
This recipe focuses on bringing out the best in the spinach's natural flavor, enhancing it with just the right touch of garlic, ginger, and a simple soy-based sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying side that complements any Asian-inspired dish or even a simple grilled protein. Ready to learn how to create this restaurant-quality stir-fry in minutes? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- wok
- kitchen towel
Ingredients
- Chinese spinach: 250g
- Goji berries: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Pork loin (or firm tofu/mushrooms): 50g
- Premium oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Chinese Shaoxing wine: 2 tbsp
- Chicken stock or water: 2 bowls
- Cooking oil
- Dry anchovies
- Egg: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Cook Aromatics
- Separate spinach stems from leaves. The stems require longer cooking time.
- Heat cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Add anchovies and fry until crispy and golden brown (2-3 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same wok, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Protein and Spinach Stems
- Add pork loin strips and stir-fry until lightly browned.
- Add spinach stems to the wok and stir-fry for a couple of minutes to soften.
- Add oyster sauce and chicken stock/water. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
Step 3. Wilt Spinach Leaves & Add Flavor
- Add spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Add goji berries and Shaoxing wine.
- Slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.
Step 4. Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with crispy anchovies.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Soak goji berries in warm water for 10 minutes before use.
- Chinese spinach shrinks significantly when cooked.
- If you prefer more flavor, you can add two more eggs (salted egg or century egg).
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use regular spinach instead of Chinese spinach?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Regular spinach is milder and may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to taste. You can also add a small piece of fresh chili.
3. What can I serve this stir-fried spinach with?
It's a versatile side dish! Pair it with rice, noodles, tofu, chicken, fish, or any other protein you enjoy.
This quick and healthy stir-fried Chinese spinach recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and nutritious meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy this vibrant side dish as a part of your balanced diet, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings and additions to personalize it to your taste. Happy cooking!