Crispy Stir-Fried Water Spinach (Pak Boong)
Authentic Thai Taste at Home! Super Easy & Golden Recipe for Stir-Fried Water Spinach
Tired of the same old Korean food? Craving something special, especially Thai cuisine? Learn how to make this incredibly simple yet flavorful Thai-style stir-fried water spinach right in your own kitchen! This recipe brings the vibrant taste of Thai street food to your table.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch Water Spinach (Kangkong)
- 1 Green Chili (like Serrano)
- 5-6 Bird’s Eye Chilies (or Thai chilies)
- 4 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
Water Spinach Stir-Fry Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1.5 – 2 tsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1.5 – 2 tsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Thoroughly wash the water spinach under running water. To remove any hidden soil or debris, it’s a good idea to soak it in water with a little vinegar for about 10 minutes. Make sure to drain it very well. 2. For the thicker stems of the water spinach, first cut them about midway between the leafy part and the firm stem.
Step 2
Cut the thicker, firmer stem portions in half again to make them easier to eat. Then, cut the leafy parts in half as well. This roughly four-part division of the stems and leaves is done to ensure the firm stems are cooked first, while the tender leaves are added later to maintain their crispness.
Step 3
Separate the prepared leafy parts and stem parts into different bowls. Keeping them separate during cooking allows the leaves to stay crisp and prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy, ensuring both components are perfectly textured.
Step 4
These two sauces – fish sauce and oyster sauce – are the cornerstones for achieving authentic Thai flavors in many dishes! I used a small bottle of fish sauce that’s easily available at supermarkets. The brand is quite popular, and you can find it in sizes similar to oyster sauce bottles.
Step 5
Don’t be shy with the garlic! Thinly sliced garlic becomes wonderfully sweet and fragrant when stir-fried, adding a lovely depth and hint of smokiness to the dish. Start by heating a generous amount of oil over low heat and gently frying the garlic until aromatic. Then, add the green chili, cut into about 1cm pieces, and stir-fry briefly. Finally, add the bird’s eye chilies; it’s best to halve them before adding to release their heat more effectively. If you prefer less spice, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or add them whole. I personally enjoy a good kick, so I increased the quantity slightly. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
Step 6
Since stir-frying water spinach is a very quick process, it’s crucial to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start! 1. Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over low heat. Gently fry the sliced garlic until fragrant, then add the chilies and stir-fry for a moment. 2. Increase the heat to medium and add the firmer stem parts of the water spinach first. Stir-fry quickly for about 5-10 seconds. If the pan seems too dry, add a little more oil. 3. Pour in about 2/3 of your prepared sauce mixture (1 Tbsp oyster sauce + 1.5 Tbsp fish sauce + 1.5-2 tsp sugar) and stir-fry continuously for about 20 seconds, ensuring everything is well combined. 4. Taste a piece of the stem to check the seasoning. Immediately add the leafy parts of the water spinach and stir-fry everything together quickly. 5. Finish by adding any remaining sauce, or adjust the seasoning with a little more fish sauce or sugar if needed. Remember, the dish will become saltier as it cooks, so season cautiously at the end.
Step 7
Your delicious Thai-style stir-fried water spinach is ready! The key to perfect water spinach is to stir-fry it over high heat for a very short time to maintain its signature crispness. Cook just until the stems are tender but still have a bite, and the leaves are slightly wilted. Remove from heat immediately; the residual heat will continue to cook it as you transfer it to a plate, so it’s best to take it off the heat when it still has a slight crunch.
Step 8
Enjoy the delightful crunch, savory-sweet flavor, and hint of smoky chili! This dish is a hit with both adults and children. If serving to kids, simply reduce or omit the bird’s eye chilies to make it milder.
Step 9
A plate of this vibrant Thai-style stir-fried water spinach is a perfect meal on its own. It’s also fantastic served over fried rice or simply alongside a bowl of steaming white rice for a satisfying and complete meal.
Step 10
When you’re craving Thai food but don’t have much time, this super simple water spinach stir-fry is the perfect solution to bring a special touch to your day. It’s a wonderful way to refresh your routine. Let this dish bring a taste of Thailand to you this May, perhaps as a delightful prelude to a future trip!
