Stir Fry Water Spinach Recipe

Tender water spinach stir fried with smashed garlic and fermented tofu (豆腐乳) – this is one of my all-time favorite veggie dishes! Easy, savory, and packed with nutrition, it’s a quick side dish that goes perfectly with rice or any Chinese meal.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb water spinach (空心菜), trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1–2 tbsp fermented bean curd (豆腐乳), plus a little of the brine (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Wash the water spinach by soaking it in...: Wash the water spinach by soaking it in a large bowl of water to remove any dirt. Rinse and then remove from the water.
2. 2Trim off the bottom 1-2 inches of the...: Trim off the bottom 1-2 inches of the water spinach. Most of the stem area should be tender, so leave the leaves and the tender parts of the stem.
3. 3Cut the water spinach into approximately 2-inch lengths....: Cut the water spinach into approximately 2-inch lengths. Discard any leaves that are wilted or heavily bruised.
4. 4In a wok or large cooking pan, add...: In a wok or large cooking pan, add the cooking oil and heat it over high heat. Add the garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. 5Add the prepared water spinach to the wok/pan...: Add the prepared water spinach to the wok/pan and stir-fry until the vegetables are about halfway wilted.
6. 6If using, add the fermented bean curd along...: If using, add the fermented bean curd along with a little of its juice/water. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7Stir-fry until the vegetables are soft. Remove from...: Stir-fry until the vegetables are soft. Remove from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking and making them mushy. Serve hot! This dish is best enjoyed immediately.