๐ป๐ณ Vietnam ยท Food
Water Spinach Stir-fried with Beef
By eatmundo ยท August 4, 2026
๐ป๐ณ VNA classic Vietnamese family stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef tossed with crunchy water spinach and aromatic garlic. The high-heat cooking method ensures the greens remain vibrant while the beef stays succulent and flavorful.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Wash 500g of water spinach, trim the tough bottom stems, and cut into 6cm lengths; dry thoroughly to prevent steaming during the stir-fry.
- 2
Slice 200g of beef tenderloin against the grain into thin strips; marinate for 15 minutes with 1 tsp of fish sauce and half of the black pepper.
- 3
Mince 5 cloves of garlic finely; heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until smoking.
- 4
Add half the garlic to the hot oil, sautรฉ for 10 seconds, then toss in the beef strips; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until just browned and remove from the pan immediately.
- 5
Wipe out the pan if needed, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and the rest of the garlic, heating for 10 seconds.
- 6
Add the water spinach to the pan, toss quickly for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green, and add the oyster sauce and the rest of the fish sauce.
- 7
Return the cooked beef to the pan, stirring everything together for another 30 seconds to integrate the juices.
- 8
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with the remaining black pepper, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute water spinach?+
If water spinach is unavailable, bok choy or gai lan are the best alternatives, though the final texture will differ slightly.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?+
The key is to slice against the grain and not overcook it; sear it fast and remove it while the center is still slightly pink.
Why is my dish watery?+
Watery stir-fries are usually caused by wet greens; make sure the water spinach is completely dried in a salad spinner before cooking.
What is the best way to clean water spinach?+
Separate the leaves from the stalks if the stalks are very thick, as they require different cooking times; however, for home cooking, 6cm segments are standard.
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