Garlic Stir-Fried Water Spinach
Vibrant green water spinach stir-fried over high heat with fragrant golden garlic. The secret is cooking stems and leaves separately — a national-favorite vegetable dish ready in five minutes.
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
2 servings
Ingredients (7 items)
- Water spinach300 g
- Minced garlic4 cloves
- Sliced chili(可選)0 ½ pcs
- Cooking oil1 ½ tbsp
- Salt0 ½ tsp
- White pepper1 pinch
- Sesame oil2 drops
Instructions
- 1
Wash and drain the water spinach, cut into 5 cm sections, keeping stems and leaves separate.
Stems and leaves cook at different rates — separating them keeps the texture even.
- 2
Heat oil in a wok over low heat, sauté garlic until lightly golden.
Move on as soon as the garlic turns golden — burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Low Heat - 3
Turn to high heat, add the stems and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
High Heat - 4
Add the leaves and keep stir-frying over high heat.
High heat and speed keep the greens crisp and prevent wateriness.
High Heat - 5
Season with salt and white pepper, toss evenly.
- 6
Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil and serve immediately.
Eat it fresh — it releases water and darkens as it sits.
Voice Guide
Step 1 / 6
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Estimated from ingredient database. Actual values may vary.
Food Safety Reminder
Please check ingredient freshness before cooking. Ensure food is heated to a core temperature of 70°C or above. Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination. If you have food allergies, please verify all ingredient labels carefully.
FAQ
Can I prepare this dish in advance?▾
Most Taiwanese home dishes can be prepped ahead. Wash and chop ingredients in advance, and pre-mix sauces. Cooking day will be much faster.
Where can I buy the ingredients?▾
Most ingredients are available at Asian supermarkets, H Mart, 99 Ranch, or online. For specialty items, check your local Chinatown or order from retailers like Weee!
Can I make a vegetarian version?▾
Yes! Replace meat with tofu skin, dried shiitake mushrooms, or king oyster mushrooms. Substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce for great results.
