How to Cook Green & Crunchy Water Spinach (Kangkung) - Restaurant-Style Recipe

Water spinach, or kangkung, is a vibrant green vegetable prized for its unique, slightly bitter flavor and satisfyingly crunchy texture. A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, this leafy green is incredibly versatile, lending itself to various cooking methods, from simple stir-fries to more complex curries. Its slightly peppery taste complements a wide array of sauces and spices, making it a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Often overlooked in Western kitchens, kangkung offers a delightful departure from commonplace greens, providing a fresh and exciting culinary experience.

This recipe focuses on a classic stir-fry, showcasing the best of water spinach's inherent qualities. We'll guide you through the process of achieving that perfect balance of crisp-tenderness, ensuring your kangkung is both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. Ready to experience the magic of perfectly stir-fried water spinach? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • Water spinach (Kangkung)
  • Salt
  • Boiling water: 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken seasoning
  • Sugar
  • Oil
  • Beef fat: a little
  • Garlic
  • Sliced red chilies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Water Spinach

  • Remove roots from water spinach, chop them, and sprinkle with salt. Pour enough water and soak for 10 minutes.
  • Change the water and wash several times to remove eggs, insects, and dirt.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of boiling water, salt, chicken seasoning, and sugar to a bowl. Stir well. This prevents the water spinach from turning black.
Remove roots from water spinach, chop them, and sprinkle with salt. Pour enough water and soak for 10 minutes.Change the water and wash several times to remove eggs, insects, and dirt.Add 1 tablespoon of boiling water, salt, chicken seasoning, and sugar to a bowl. Stir well. This prevents the water spinach from turning black.
Prepare the Water Spinach

Step 2. Prepare the Flavor Base

  • Heat oil in a frying pan. Add a little beef fat for flavor.
  • Add chopped garlic and sliced red chilies.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Add a little beef fat for flavor.Add chopped garlic and sliced red chilies.
Prepare the Flavor Base

Step 3. Stir-fry the Water Spinach

  • Add the washed water spinach and pour the prepared sauce.
  • Stir-fry over high heat until cooked, then remove from heat.
Add the washed water spinach and pour the prepared sauce.Stir-fry over high heat until cooked, then remove from heat.
Stir-fry the Water Spinach

Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Thoroughly washing the water spinach is crucial for removing impurities.
  • The key to preventing the water spinach from turning black is the seasoning mixture added before cooking.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 70-90
  • Fat: 2-4g
  • Carbs: 10-14g
  • Protein: 2-3g

FAQs

1. How do I prevent my water spinach from becoming mushy?

Don't overcook it! Stir-fry the kangkung quickly over high heat. It only needs a few minutes to become tender-crisp.

2. What can I substitute if I don't have fish sauce?

Soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, but the flavor will be slightly different.


Enjoy your perfectly stir-fried water spinach! This simple yet flavorful recipe is a testament to the versatility of kangkung, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and easy. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary expertise!