Crispy and Delicious Stir-Fried Water Spinach (Morning Glory) Recipe
A Savory Stir-Fry Using Fresh Water Spinach (Morning Glory)
Water spinach, known as ‘gong xin cai’ in Chinese, literally means ‘hollow vegetable’ due to its hollow stems. This stir-fry offers a satisfying crunch and a light, savory flavor, making it a perfect side dish or a delightful snack. We’ll use simple seasonings to highlight the natural freshness of the greens. Follow this easy-to-understand recipe, perfect even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- Water spinach (Morning glory) 200g
- 1 Red chili
- 2 cloves Garlic
- Olive oil, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly washing the fresh water spinach (morning glory) under running water. Carefully separate the stems from the leaves. Separating them allows for better control over their cooking times and textures.
Step 2
Cut the separated stems and leaves into approximately 5cm (about 2 inches) lengths. Cutting them into manageable pieces will make stir-frying easier and eating more enjoyable.
Step 3
Prepare the garlic and chili for added flavor. Finely mince the garlic cloves. For the chili, remove the seeds and mince it finely. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili or use a spicier variety like a bird’s eye chili.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chili, and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; releasing its aroma first is key to a delicious base.
Step 5
Once the aromatic garlic and chili oil is ready, add the water spinach stems to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat for a short time. Adding the stems first ensures they cook slightly longer and retain their pleasant crispness.
Step 6
When the spinach stems begin to soften slightly and wilt, add the reserved leaves to the pan. Stir-fry together with the stems. The leaves cook very quickly, so adding them later helps maintain a good balance of textures.
Step 7
Finally, add the oyster sauce and fish sauce to enhance the umami. Stir-fry quickly to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Your delicious stir-fried water spinach is ready! Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
