🇻🇳 Vietnam · Food
Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇻🇳 VNA fundamental vegetable dish in Vietnamese cuisine. The crisp, hollow stems of water spinach are perfectly complemented by aromatic, golden-fried garlic.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Wash 500g water spinach thoroughly and trim the tough ends, keeping the leaves and stems in 5cm pieces.
- 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 30 seconds; drain immediately.
- 3
Mince 5 cloves of garlic and slice 1 fresh chili thinly.
- 4
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat until smoking slightly.
- 5
Sauté the garlic until it just starts to turn golden, about 30 seconds.
- 6
Toss in the spinach and chili, stir-frying quickly for 1 minute.
- 7
Add 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp sugar, tossing to coat evenly.
- 8
Remove from heat immediately to maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular spinach?+
You can, but it will be much softer and lack the signature crunch of water spinach.
Why blanch the spinach first?+
Blanching ensures it cooks evenly and preserves its bright green color.
Is high heat necessary?+
Yes, high heat is essential for a quick sear that keeps the stems crunchy.
Can I add more aromatics?+
Some versions add a pinch of MSG or a little oyster sauce for extra depth.
🇻🇳 VNMundo Match
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