How to Cook Stir-Fried Water Spinach to Keep It Green and Crisp

Kapanlagi.com - Stir-fried water spinach, who can resist its deliciousness? This dish has become a favorite for many due to its appetizing flavor and super practical cooking method. However, there is one problem that often haunts its fans: wilted water spinach or discoloration turning black after cooking.

Don't worry! The crispiness and fresh green color of stir-fried water spinach can be maintained with a few simple tricks. This secret was shared by the mother-in-law of a netizen and has proven to be effective.

So, are you curious to know how? Here, KapanLagi.com has summarized various sources to reveal the causes, cooking tricks, and simple recipes that you can try at home, Thursday (20/3/2025). Let's check it out together!

1. Why Can Stir-Fried Water Spinach Change Color and Wilting?

Water spinach that turns black or wilts after being cooked may be a sign that you are not paying enough attention to the cooking technique! Some common mistakes that often occur are:

• Stirring too often.
• Cooking on low heat for too long.
• Using excessive water when stir-frying.
• Not removing it immediately after cooking, which can ruin the deliciousness and nutrition of this green vegetable.

If your water spinach looks black or limp, it means its nutrients have diminished. Therefore, it is important to master the right cooking methods so that the water spinach remains fresh, appetizing, and rich in nutrients!

2. Cooking Tricks for Stir-Fried Water Spinach to Keep It Green and Fresh

According to the Instagram account @kenyangterusz, there is one simple secret that is often overlooked when cooking stir-fried water spinach, which is not to stir it too often! Let the water spinach cook on its own and just flip it once when it’s almost done.

Why is this trick so effective? Because it reduces direct contact with excessive heat, maintains the natural moisture content in the water spinach, and helps keep this vegetable crunchy and not wilted.

By applying these steps, you can enjoy stir-fried water spinach that is not only delicious but also tantalizing with its captivating fresh green color!

3. Delicious and Fresh Stir-Fried Water Spinach Recipe

Experience the deliciousness of stir-fried water spinach that remains fresh and tempting with this simple recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of water spinach, cut and washed clean
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 large red chilies (optional)

Steps:

1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
2. Sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant.
3. Then add oyster sauce, salt, sugar, and ground pepper.
4. Pour in a little water and add the water spinach without stirring immediately, let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. After that, turn the water spinach once, stir lightly, and remove from heat.
6. Serve this appetizing stir-fried water spinach as a side dish to your meal!

4. Additional Tips to Make Stir-Fried Water Spinach Even More Delicious

To serve perfect water spinach, there are several effective tricks worth trying!

• First, turn on high heat so that the water spinach cooks quickly without losing too much water.
• Do not cook for too long—just 2-3 minutes to keep its texture crunchy and appetizing.
• In addition, just add 50 ml of water so that the stir-fry is not watery and remains tempting.
• And most importantly, cook the water spinach at the end of the process to maintain its freshness when served. Happy cooking!

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Stir-Fried Water Spinach

1. Why does stir-fried water spinach turn black? The color of water spinach can turn black due to excessive heat exposure or being cooked for too long. Use high heat and remove it immediately after cooking to preserve its green color.
2. Should water spinach be boiled before stir-frying? No need, as boiling it will make its texture mushy and its green color fade.
3. How to store water spinach to keep it fresh before cooking? Store it in the refrigerator wrapped in paper or kitchen tissue, then place it in a perforated plastic bag to keep it fresh longer.
4. What is the solution if the stir-fried water spinach is too watery? Reduce the use of water while cooking and make sure the water spinach is drained first before stir-frying.
5. What seasonings can make stir-fried water spinach more delicious? Add dried shrimp, shrimp paste, or bird's eye chili for a more savory and spicy flavor. A squeeze of lime can also add a fresh touch to the stir-fry.

(kpl/sfa)