Stir-fried water spinach is a popular vegetable dish across Southeast Asia, where this leafy green is prized for its tender leaves and crisp hollow stems.
It offers steady energy while remaining light but satisfying.
A hot skillet cooks the water spinach quickly, helping it retain its fresh texture and vibrant green color.
Garlic provides plenty of savory flavor while fresh chili adds a lively kick.
A splash of soy sauce brings everything together in a dish that takes only minutes to cook.
Perfect as a quick vegetable side served with steamed rice or noodles.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Video
Quick Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic and Chili
Make this stir-fried water spinach in just 15 minutes with fresh garlic, chili, and a simple soy sauce. A quick, flavorful vegetable side perfect with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Cooking Instructions
- Wash the water spinach thoroughly and drain well.
- Trim away any tough ends and cut the stems and leaves into 3-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add the vegetable oil, garlic, and sliced chili. Stir-fry for about 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the thicker water spinach stems first and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Add the remaining stems and leaves.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything quickly over high heat.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, just until the leaves wilt and the stems remain slightly crisp.
- Season with black pepper, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Water spinach is also commonly sold as kangkung, ong choy, or morning glory.
Keep the heat high and the cooking time short to preserve the vegetable’s crisp texture and bright color.
Adjust the amount of chili depending on your preferred spice level.
Add tofu or mushrooms for a more substantial vegetarian dish.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice for a simple meal.
Keep the heat high and the cooking time short to preserve the vegetable’s crisp texture and bright color.
Adjust the amount of chili depending on your preferred spice level.
Add tofu or mushrooms for a more substantial vegetarian dish.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice for a simple meal.