Vietnamese Stir-Fried Water Spinach Recipe: Rau Muống Xào

Ingredients

1 bunch of Rau Muống (water spinach)
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

Start by preparing the Rau Muống. First, wash them thoroughly under running water. Then, separate the leaves from the stems, and cut the stems into 2-inch long pieces.
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely.
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the water spinach stems to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
Add the leaves and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for another minute or so, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the pan from the heat. The Rau Muống Xào is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with steamed rice.

Tools for making

Frying pan or wok - A large frying pan or wok will be needed to stir-fry the vegetables.
Cutting board - A cutting board will be used to chop the Rau Muống and mince the garlic.
Knife - A knife will be needed to chop the Rau Muống and mince the garlic.
Small bowl - A small bowl will be used to mix the sauce ingredients.
Cooking spoon or spatula - A cooking spoon or spatula will be used to stir-fry the Rau Muống.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to measure the oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and cornstarch.

Recipe variations

Add protein: You can add your choice of protein to this dish, such as thinly sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the stir-fried Rau Muống.
Spicy version: If you like some heat, you can add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
Additional vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots, to enhance the flavors and textures.
Nutty twist: For a nutty flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top of the dish before serving.
Lemon or lime juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the stir-fried Rau Muống just before serving to add a bright and tangy flavor.
Asian sauces: Experiment with different Asian sauces, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet chili sauce, to give the dish a unique twist.
Garlic lovers: If you're a fan of garlic, you can increase the amount of minced garlic in the recipe to intensify the garlic flavor.
Herbs and spices: Add a pinch of herbs or spices, such as ginger, lemongrass, or cilantro, to infuse the dish with additional aromas and flavors.

Recipe overview

Rau Muống Xào is a classic Vietnamese dish, simple and quick to prepare, yet packed with flavor. This stir-fried water spinach recipe is a staple of home-cooked meals in Vietnam, known for its delightful crunch and the savory notes of garlic and fish sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this healthy and delicious dish in less than 15 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal. Serve it accompanied with steamed rice for a satisfying, traditional Vietnamese meal. Embrace the simplicity and savor the taste of Rau Muống Xào.

Common questions

Can I use other types of greens instead of Rau Muống? Yes, if you can't find Rau Muống, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as spinach or bok choy.
Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use other types of oil like canola oil or peanut oil if you prefer.
Is it necessary to separate the leaves from the stems? Yes, separating the leaves from the stems allows for even cooking as the stems are slightly tougher and require a bit more time to cook.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic? Absolutely, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal preference.
What can I serve with Rau Muống Xào? Rau Muống Xào is traditionally served as a side dish with steamed rice. However, you can also enjoy it as a main dish by adding some protein such as tofu, shrimp, or sliced chicken.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying Pan or Wok - A large frying pan or wok is needed for stir-frying the Rau Muống Xào.
Knife - A knife will be necessary for cutting the water spinach stems into pieces.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is essential for chopping the garlic and preparing the vegetables.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is required for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs will be helpful for stirring and flipping the vegetables while stir-frying.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and cornstarch.

Origin stories

Rau Muống Xào, or stir-fried water spinach, is a simple yet flavorful dish that originates from Vietnam. This humble vegetable, water spinach, grows abundantly in the waterways of Vietnam, making it a staple ingredient in many dishes. It is a testament to the resourcefulness of Vietnamese cooks, who can transform simple, readily available ingredients into a dish that is full of flavors and textures. The art of stir-frying, applied in this dish, is a common cooking technique in Vietnamese cuisine, allowing the ingredients to retain their color, crunch, and nutritional value. This dish is not only a gastronomic delight but also a reflection of the Vietnamese people's close relationship with their environment and their ability to create culinary masterpieces from what nature provides.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.