Stir-Fried Water Spinach Recipe, A Delicious and Nutritious Dish for Everyday Menu That Tempts the Appetite!

Kapanlagi.com - Stir-fried water spinach, a dish that is no stranger to the Indonesian palate, is made from water spinach sautéed with simple yet appetizing seasonings. The term "cah" itself comes from Hokkien, meaning to sauté or cook quickly over high heat. It’s no wonder this dish is so beloved, as it is not only delicious but also very practical to prepare!

Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is a green vegetable that is easy to find in markets, both traditional and modern, throughout Indonesia. With its hollow stems and crisp triangular leaves, water spinach is the perfect choice for cooking. Stir-fried water spinach is usually served as a side dish with rice or as a vegetable in various meals, adding a fresh touch to the dishes.

In the cooking process, water spinach is chopped and sautéed with seasonings such as garlic, shallots, chili, and added oyster sauce or sweet soy sauce. This quick cooking technique not only preserves the crisp texture and bright green color of the water spinach but also retains all the nutrients contained within. Get ready to be tempted to try it, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Monday (2/12).

1. Health Benefits of Water Spinach

Water spinach, the fresh green that not only tempts the taste buds, actually holds a wealth of extraordinary health benefits! Just imagine, this vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like iron and calcium that maintain eye health, bone strength, and the immune system.

With its low calorie count, water spinach becomes the perfect companion for those looking to lose weight or follow a healthy diet. Moreover, its antioxidant content actively fights free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Not only that, the fiber in water spinach aids digestion, while the combination of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants contributes to heart health by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

With the presence of vitamin K, water spinach also supports the formation of strong bones, and the magnesium within it can enhance your sleep quality. So, there's no reason not to include water spinach in your daily menu—enjoy its deliciousness while maintaining overall body health!

2. Ingredients for Making Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Here is a list of ingredients and steps to make a delicious stir-fried water spinach dish:

List of Ingredients:

1. Fresh water spinach 1 bunch (300-400 grams)

2. Garlic 2-3 cloves, finely chopped

3. Shallots 2-3 pieces, thinly sliced

4. Red chili to taste, sliced diagonally

5. Oyster sauce to taste

6. Sweet soy sauce to taste

7. Salt to taste

8. Pepper to taste

9. Cooking oil 2 tablespoons

10. Water 50 ml

Variations (optional):

- Grilled shrimp paste to taste

- Peeled shrimp to taste

- Sliced squid, to taste

- Fresh tomatoes to taste

3. Steps to Make Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the water spinach thoroughly and cut as needed. Prepare the garlic, shallots, chili, and additional ingredients if using.

2. Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.

3. Sauté the Spices: Sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant.

4. Add the Chili: Add the sliced red chili, sauté briefly.

5. Add the Water Spinach: Add the water spinach to the pan, stir well.

6. Season: Add oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.

7. Add Water: Pour in 50 ml of water to keep the vegetables fresh. Stir again.

8. Variations (If Any): If using, add grilled shrimp paste, shrimp, or squid. Stir until all ingredients are cooked.

9. Serve: Once the water spinach is wilted and all ingredients are cooked, remove and serve warm.

Happy cooking and enjoy the delicious stir-fried water spinach dish!

4. Tips for Cooking Stir-Fried Water Spinach

Here are 4 points to create the perfect stir-fried water spinach:

1. Choose Fresh Water Spinach: Select water spinach with bright green leaves and crunchy stems, avoiding wilted or spotted ones. Wash thoroughly and soak in salt water to remove dirt and pests.

2. Cut to Ideal Size: Cut the water spinach into small pieces about 5-7 cm for easier cooking and even cooking process.

3. Cook on High Heat: Use high heat while cooking to maintain the green color and crunchy texture of the water spinach. Avoid overcooking and add a little water to let the spices absorb.

4. Experiment with Seasonings: Taste and adjust the flavor to your liking. Try additional seasonings like shrimp paste or dried shrimp for a more enticing flavor variation. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

5. Variations of Stir-Fried Water Spinach Recipes

Stir-fried water spinach, a nutritious green vegetable, can be transformed into a mouthwatering dish with various interesting variations! Try the tempting Stir-fried Water Spinach with Shrimp Paste, which has the savory aroma of grilled shrimp paste, or enjoy the delicious Stir-fried Water Spinach with Shrimp that combines fresh shrimp stir-fried to perfection. If you're a seafood lover, the Stir-fried Water Spinach with Squid featuring chewy squid pieces is sure to delight your taste buds. For a unique flavor, add fermented soybean paste in the Stir-fried Water Spinach with Fermented Soybean, or give it a spicy kick with the Spicy Stir-fried Water Spinach filled with bird's eye chilies. Don't forget the fragrant Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic, the savory Stir-fried Water Spinach with Oyster Sauce, and the filling Stir-fried Water Spinach with Chicken. For a special touch, try adding quail eggs or traditional salted fish. Each variation offers its own flavor character, so feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combination!

6. Serving Suggestions and Dish Combinations

Stir-fried water spinach, a nutritious green vegetable, can be served in an attractive way to enhance the dining experience. Serve it on a white plate to make its green color stand out, or arrange it neatly using a food ring for an elegant impression.

Stir-fried water spinach can accompany warm white rice with fried chicken or grilled fish, or be combined in a complete menu set. For variety, pair it with seafood like battered shrimp, or use it as a topping for fried rice.

Don't forget the shrimp paste chili sauce for a spicy kick. Serve it warm and add contrasting colored ingredients like tomatoes or carrots for a visual touch. With the right combinations, the experience of enjoying stir-fried water spinach will be even more tempting!

7. Nutritional Value of Water Spinach

Water spinach is not just a delicious dish, but it is also rich in nutrients that are beneficial for our body health! In each serving of about 100 grams, water spinach contains low calories, only 19-25 kcal, and is filled with vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for eye health, the immune system, and blood clotting.

With its abundant fiber, this vegetable also aids digestion and provides a feeling of fullness for a longer time. Additionally, its iron and calcium content supports the formation of red blood cells and bone health. To enjoy all these benefits, cook water spinach quickly with a little oil, and add a squeeze of lemon to enhance iron absorption. Combine it with tofu or tempeh, and you are ready to serve a nutritious and appetizing dish!

(kpl/rao)