| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 102 | 7g | 1g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1g | 3g | 0.59g |
Why I Love Singaporean Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic
I present a personal favorite and a dish that connects me to another part of Asia: Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic, a classic Singaporean recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of simple ingredients that brings forth an extraordinary flavor, paying homage to the traditional Asian cuisine I am so fond of. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, both in its understated ingredient list and its swift cooking process.
A Dash of Madeleine Moment
The Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic recipe is more than just an ordinary meal to me – it is a Madeleine Moment. The deep flavors echo my culinary journey and connect me to the roots of Asian cuisine. It’s a true melting pot, just like the complex mix of cultures that shape Singapore’s food scene. This dish nudges me back to my times spent in Asia, exploring the markets and food stalls, ever so eager to learn and taste more.
Inspired by my time in Japan and the Pacific Northwest, I value the freshness of ingredients, which reflects in this recipe’s use of water spinach. Chef Ming Tsai, whom I look up to, has often highlighted this, emphasizing the importance of top quality and locally sourced ingredients. His influence can definitely be felt in this humble yet delicious Singaporean dish.
Playful Pairings
What I love about Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic is its flexibility. With its light but savory flavor, it pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. A perfect choice could be a Clay Pot Chicken Rice or a Char Kway Teow. For seafood enthusiasts, it makes a fantastic side for Peppered Steamed Crab or king prawn dishes. It underscores the versatility of Asian cuisine and how harmoniously its varying flavors can be assayed.
Lastly, What captivates me most about this dish is its balance – a hallmark of Asian cuisine. Each ingredient finds its place, neither one overpowering the other – together, they create an orchestra of taste. So here’s to another adventure in the kitchen with Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic, a recipe that extends far beyond its boundaries, inviting everyone to a delightful culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of water spinach
- 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the water spinach. Rinse it under cold running water and pat dry. Trim away the rough stems and discard them. Set the water spinach aside for now.
Step Two
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch have completely dissolved. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic. Stir-fry the garlic until it is fragrant and lightly golden brown, be careful not to let it burn.
Step Four
Add the cleaned and trimmed water spinach to the wok. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes. The water spinach should be wilted but still vibrant green.
Step Five
Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Stir to combine with the water spinach and garlic. Continue to cook for another minute, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Six
Season the stir-fry with salt and black pepper. Stir well to make sure the seasoning distributes evenly.
Step Seven
Before serving your stir-fried water spinach with garlic, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish with your favorite meals.
