Savory Chinese Water Spinach Recipe: A Simple Guide

If you're looking to add some variety to your vegetable dishes, Chinese water spinach is a great option to consider. Get ready to discover the versatile leafy green vegetable, Chinese water spinach, also known as ong choy! Loved for its delicate stems and subtle flavor, this staple in Asian cuisines is a must-try in your kitchen. In this article, we'll guide you through the basics of Chinese water spinach and provide classic recipes to kickstart your culinary adventure.

Chinese water spinach is a member of the morning glory family and is native to Southeast Asia. It's a popular ingredient in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine, and is often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. When selecting water spinach, look for bright green leaves and firm, crisp stems. Avoid any that are wilted or discoloured.

To prepare Chinese water spinach, start by washing the leaves and stems thoroughly and removing any tough or woody parts. Then, chop the stems into bite-sized pieces and the leaves into larger pieces. From there, you can use a variety of cooking techniques, from stir-frying with garlic and chilli to steaming with oyster sauce. For a seafood twist, consider adding some shrimp or scallops to your water spinach stir-fry.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese water spinach is a versatile and nutritious vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine.
• When selecting water spinach, look for bright green leaves and firm, crisp stems.
• There are many ways to prepare Chinese water spinach, from stir-frying with garlic and chilli to steaming with oyster sauce. Adding seafood like shrimp or scallops can take your dish to the next level.

Understanding Chinese Water Spinach

If you're looking for a leafy green vegetable to add to your diet, you might want to consider Chinese water spinach. It's also known as ong choy, kangkong, or water morning glory. This vegetable is a popular ingredient in many East and Southeast Asian cuisines, and it's easy to see why.

Botanical Profile

Chinese water spinach is a semi-aquatic plant that grows in water or moist soil. It has long, hollow stems that can grow up to 8 feet long and dark green leaves that are shaped like arrowheads. The stems are tender and juicy, and the leaves are slightly crunchy.

Nutritional Information

Chinese water spinach is a great source of nutrients. It's rich in calcium, potassium, and iron, as well as vitamins A and C. It's also low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calcium	86mg
Potassium	170mg
Iron	1.4mg
Vitamin A	3300IU
Vitamin C	28mg

Seafood Suggestion

If you're looking to add some protein to your Chinese water spinach recipe, seafood is a great option. You could try adding some prawns or squid to your stir-fry, or even some fish fillets. The seafood will complement the slightly sweet and slightly bitter taste of the water spinach, and it will also add some extra texture to the dish.

Selecting and Storing Water Spinach

When it comes to selecting water spinach, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the best water spinach for your recipe:

Choosing Fresh Water Spinach

• Look for water spinach with long, tender stems that are free from blemishes and bruises. Avoid any that have wilted or yellow leaves.
• If you're shopping at a wet market, make sure to choose a vendor that has a high turnover of produce to ensure freshness.
• If you're shopping at a supermarket, look for water spinach that is stored in a refrigerated section to ensure it stays fresh for longer.
• If you're shopping at a specialty Asian market like 99 Ranch Market, you should be able to find both green and white-stemmed varieties.

Storage Tips

• Water spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag.
• If you find that the stems have become tough or the leaves have wilted, you can try reviving them by soaking the water spinach in cold water for 10-15 minutes.
• If you're not planning on using the water spinach right away, you can blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds and then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Seafood can be a great addition to your water spinach recipe. If you're looking to add some protein, consider using shrimp or scallops. Simply stir-fry them with the water spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning and Cutting

Before cooking Chinese water spinach, you need to clean it properly. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After that, cut off the tough ends of the stems and discard them. You can then cut the remaining stems and leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to prepare Chinese water spinach. You can stir-fry, sauté, or blanch it. Here are some cooking methods you can try:

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a popular way to cook Chinese water spinach. Heat some vegetable oil in a wok or non-stick pan over high heat. Add some minced garlic and ginger and stir for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the water spinach and stir-fry for a few minutes until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sautéing

To sauté Chinese water spinach, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add some minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the water spinach and sauté for a few minutes until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Blanching

Blanching is another way to cook Chinese water spinach. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the water spinach for a few seconds until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Drain the water spinach and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to add some seafood to your Chinese water spinach recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté the seafood in some oil until cooked through and add it to the stir-fried or sautéed water spinach.

Classic Chinese Water Spinach Recipes

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy vegetable dish to add to your meal, then Chinese water spinach is a great option. This leafy green vegetable is packed with nutrients and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are a few classic Chinese water spinach recipes that you can try at home:

Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic

One of the most popular ways to cook Chinese water spinach is by stir-frying it with garlic. This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Chinese water spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the Chinese water spinach and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Chinese water spinach to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it is wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can also add some shrimp or prawns to this recipe for a seafood twist.

Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu

Another classic Chinese water spinach recipe is to cook it with fermented tofu. This dish has a unique flavour and is a great way to add some protein to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Chinese water spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of fermented tofu
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the Chinese water spinach and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the fermented tofu, sugar, salt, and pepper to the wok and stir-fry until the tofu is melted and combined with the other ingredients.
5. Add the Chinese water spinach to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it is wilted.

You can also add some shrimp paste or shaoxing wine to this recipe for a seafood twist.

Overall, Chinese water spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. Try these classic recipes or experiment with your own flavours and ingredients to create a delicious and healthy meal.

Cultural Significance and Variations

Water Spinach in Asian Cuisines

Water spinach, also known as Ipomoea aquatica, is a popular leafy vegetable in many Asian cuisines. It is widely used in Cantonese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Cambodian dishes. In Cantonese cuisine, it is commonly known as ong choy, and in Vietnam, it is called rau muong. In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is known as kangkung, while in the Philippines, it is called kangkong.

Water spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often stir-fried with garlic, chilli, and belacan (shrimp paste) in Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. In Cantonese cuisine, it is stir-fried with XO sauce, a spicy seafood sauce made with dried scallops, dried shrimp, and chilli peppers. In Vietnam, it is often used in soups and salads.

Fusion and Modern Interpretations

Water spinach has become increasingly popular in fusion and modern interpretations of Asian cuisine. Chefs around the world have been experimenting with this versatile vegetable, incorporating it into new and exciting dishes.

One popular dish is stir-fried water spinach with seafood. This dish combines the fresh, crunchy texture of water spinach with the rich, umami flavour of seafood. You can use a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, or clams, to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Another popular dish is water spinach with wok hay. Wok hay is a Cantonese term that refers to the smoky, charred flavour that comes from cooking in a hot wok. By stir-frying water spinach in a hot wok, you can achieve the perfect balance of charred flavour and fresh crunchiness.

In conclusion, water spinach is a versatile and delicious vegetable that is widely used in many Asian cuisines. Whether you prefer traditional recipes or fusion dishes, there are countless ways to enjoy this tasty vegetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare water spinach in a traditional Chinese style?

To prepare water spinach in a traditional Chinese style, you can stir fry it with garlic and chili. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and stir fry the water spinach until it wilts. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add more oil and stir fry some garlic until fragrant. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to taste. Return the spinach to the pan and stir fry for a few more minutes. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to the dish to make it even more flavourful.

What's the simplest way to cook Chinese water spinach?

The simplest way to cook Chinese water spinach is to stir fry it with garlic and a little bit of oil. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste. This dish is very easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes.

Which recipe is considered the best for making Chinese water spinach?

There are many recipes for making Chinese water spinach, but the one that is considered the best is the stir-fry recipe with garlic and chili. This recipe is very easy to make and is very flavourful. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to the dish to make it even more delicious.

Are there any health benefits associated with eating Chinese water spinach?

Yes, there are many health benefits associated with eating Chinese water spinach. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It is also low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.

Can water spinach be safely consumed without cooking?

No, it is not recommended to consume water spinach without cooking it first. Water spinach can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, which can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to always cook water spinach before eating it.

What's the difference between water spinach and Chinese spinach?

Water spinach and Chinese spinach are two different vegetables. Water spinach has long, hollow stems and is often used in Asian cuisine. Chinese spinach, on the other hand, has flat, smooth leaves and is used in a variety of dishes around the world.