🇮🇩 Indonesia · Food
Tumis Kangkung Belacan
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
A quintessential Southeast Asian vegetable stir-fry featuring water spinach tossed in a punchy, savory fermented shrimp paste. This dish is prized for its vibrant green color and addictive umami flavor.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Thoroughly wash 500g of water spinach and remove the tough bottom stems, keeping the leaves and tender stalks.
- 2
Mince 3 garlic cloves and slice 3 chilis thinly to ensure they distribute flavor evenly.
- 3
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat until it shimmers and is nearly smoking.
- 4
Add the garlic and chilis, stir-frying for 30 seconds until golden and aromatic.
- 5
Stir in 1 tbsp fermented shrimp paste, pressing it into the oil to release its aroma.
- 6
Toss in the water spinach and immediately add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 0.5 tsp salt.
- 7
Stir-fry vigorously for 2 minutes only, just until the leaves wilt and turn bright green.
- 8
Transfer immediately to a serving dish to prevent overcooking from residual heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace water spinach?+
Spinach or morning glory are the closest substitutes, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I make it less spicy?+
Remove the seeds and white pith from the chilis before slicing them to drastically reduce the heat.
Why does my spinach get watery?+
You likely cooked it too long; use high heat to cook it quickly and evaporate excess liquid.
What if I can't find fermented shrimp paste?+
You can substitute it with a mix of fish sauce and a pinch of brown sugar, though the depth will change.
Mundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Tumis Kangkung Belacan's core ingredients.
