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    Homepage » Recipes

    Water Spinach Stir Fry (Ong Choy)

    Published: Jun 23, 2021 This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Water Spinach Stir Fry (ongchoy).

    If you've been wondering how to cook Ong Choy, try this easy Chinese water spinach stir fry. A delicious side dish that can be ready in less than 15 minutes.  It's so healthy and flavorful. 

    What is Chinese Water Spinach

    Chinese water spinach is one of the most popular vegetables in Chinese and Southeast Asia cuisine. It's also known as ong choy in Cantonese, rau muong in Vietnam kangkong in the Philippines, kangkung in Indonesia and Malaysia, trakuon in Cambodia, and pak bong in Laos.

    Water Spinach Stir Fry, Ong Choy

    Chinese water spinach has long and pointed leaves. The stems are edible, they have a crisp that makes them the perfect vegetable for stir fry or soup.

    Chinese water spinach is quick to cook and doesn't require a ton of seasoning to make them tasty. They are packed with nutrients that will benefit your body, including skin and brain.

    Jump to:
    • What is Chinese Water Spinach
    • Where to Purchase Water Spinach
    • The Ingredients for Ong Choy Stir Fry
    • How to Clean Water Spinach
    • Here's How to Stir Fry Water Spinach
    • 📖 Recipe

    Where to Purchase Water Spinach

      
    You can find Chinese water spinach at almost any Asian grocery store such as 99 Ranch Market, HMart, Seafood City, etc for around $2.99 per pound. 

    Kangkung stir fry (Ong Choy)

    The Ingredients for Ong Choy Stir Fry

    The Chinese water spinach is seasoned with garlic, shallots, oyster sauce, and red chili pepper. The fresh chili adds color and a spicy taste to the dish, but you can omit it if you are not a big fan of heat.


    If you are going to serve this to kids, make sure that you cut the leaves and stems into small pieces before serving to avoid choking. I've been consuming Chinese water spinach since I was a kid and those long leaves can be a lot for a child. 

    water spinach stir fry.

    How to Clean Water Spinach

    • Trim and discard the bottom 2-3 inches of the woody ends then cut the remaining stems into 2-3 inch lengths.
    • Cut the leafy top portions into 2-3 inch lengths and discard the leaves that are wilted.
    • Soak the water spinach in a large bowl of cold water to remove dirt. Change the water a few times until the spinach is fully cleaned. Drain well.

    Here's How to Stir Fry Water Spinach

    Step 1. Cook the Aromatic Vegetables

    • In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat.
    • Cook shallots for 10 seconds then add chilies and cook for about 5 seconds.
    • Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
    stir fry shallots.

    Step 2. Stir in the Chinese Water Spinach and Oyster Sauce

    • Stir in the oyster sauce then add the Chinese water spinach into the wok. Stir fry for about 20-30 seconds until it begins to wilt. Do not overcook.
    how to cook water spinach.
    • Serve immediately to prevent your water spinach from oxidizing.
    how to cook ong choy.

    FAQ and Cooking Tips

    How to store fresh Chinese water spinach

    Do not remove the water spinach from the packaging. You can store it in the fridge in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Can you store leftover Chinese water spinach stir fry?

    I do not recommend it. Spinach contains a high amount of iron. Every time you reheat spinach, it oxidizes the iron present in spinach, which releases dangerous free radicals that can cause health issues.

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    Chinese water spinach stir fry.

    📖 Recipe

    Water Spinach Stir Fry, Ong Choy
    5 from 12 votes

    Chinese Water Spinach Stir Fry

    Rika
    If you've been wondering how to cook Ong Choy, try this easy Chinese water spinach stir fry. A delicious side dish that can be ready in less than 15 minutes.  It's so healthy and flavorful.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 2 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese, Indonesian
    Servings 4
    Calories 76 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 300 grams Chinese water spinach (Ong Choy)
    • 3 garlic cloves, (sliced)
    • ¼ cup sliced shallots
    • 1½ tablespoons neutral oil , (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
    • ¾ tablespoon oyster sauce, (add more according to your liking)

    optional:

    • 1 red jalapeño or serrano pepper, (seeded and chopped)

    Instructions
     

    • Trim and discard the bottom 2-3 inches of the woody ends then cut the remaining stems into 2-3 inch lengths. Cut the leafy top portions into 2-3 inch lengths and discard the leaves that are wilted.
      Soak the water spinach in a large bowl of cold water to remove dirt. Change the water a few times until the spinach are fully cleaned. Drain well.
    • In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat. Cook shallots for 10 seconds then add chilies and cook for about 5 seconds. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
    • Stir in the oyster sauce then add the Chinese water spinach into the wok. Stir fry for about 20-30 seconds until the leaves begin to wilt. Do not overcook.

    Notes

    Serve immediately to prevent oxidation. 
    Warning: If you are going to serve this to kids, make sure that you cut the leaves and stems into small pieces before serving to avoid choking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 179mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4726IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Chinese water spinach, how to cook water spinach, ong choy stir fry, water spinach, Water spinach stir fry
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Rika! Through Posh Journal I share my passion for food, travel and other things I enjoy along the way.  Don’t let the name fool you, most of my recipes are easy to cook and can be enjoyed on a daily basis. 

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