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Best Easy Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu Recipe

Name: Best Easy Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu Recipe
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: Water spinach 1 lb; Fermented tofu (red or white) 2 pieces; Garlic 3 cloves; Vegetable oil 1.5 tbsp; Soy sauce 1 tsp; Sugar 0.5 tsp; Water 3 tbsp

Water spinach is stir-fried with pungent fermented tofu for a uniquely savory, creamy flavor. This vegetarian dish is healthy, low calorie, and a hidden gem of Cantonese family cooking.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 95 kcal

#vegetarian #low calorie #high fiber #Cantonese

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

Water spinach 1 lb
Fermented tofu (red or white) 2 pieces
Garlic 3 cloves

Seasonings/Sauce

Vegetable oil 1.5 tbsp
Soy sauce 1 tsp
Sugar 0.5 tsp
Water 3 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 8 g 34%

Protein 6 g 25%

Fat 4 g 41%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the water spinach thoroughly, cut into 3-inch pieces, and drain well.
2

Mince the garlic cloves and mash the fermented tofu pieces with 1 tbsp of water to create a paste.
3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 15 seconds until fragrant without browning.
4

Increase the heat to high, add the water spinach, and toss quickly to coat with oil and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute until wilted but still bright green.
5

Add the fermented tofu paste, remaining water, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the greens and the stems are tender yet crisp. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The core ingredients are fresh water spinach and fermented tofu. Water spinach provides a delicate, mildly sweet crunch, while fermented tofu delivers the signature savory, creamy umami that defines this classic Cantonese dish.

Q. What heat control is important for perfect texture?

Use high heat when stir-frying the water spinach. This keeps the greens vibrant and prevents sogginess. Stir constantly and cook quickly to maintain the fresh, crisp texture.

Q. How do I prevent overcooking or undercooking the water spinach?

Overcooking can make water spinach limp and dull. Stir-fry quickly on high heat until just wilted and stems are still crisp—usually 2-3 minutes total cooking time is best.

Q. How many calories are in each serving?

Each serving contains about 95 kcal. The nutritional breakdown is approximately 8g carbs (34%), 6g protein (25%), and 4g fat (41%) per 180g serving, making it a light and healthy vegetarian option.

Best Easy Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu Recipe

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