Fermented Tofu Stir-fried Water Spinach Recipe (Fu Ru Kong Xin Cai)

Water spinach: A leafy green vegetable with a mild flavor and crunchy stems, perfect for stir-frying.

Fermented tofu: A preserved tofu with a strong, pungent flavor and creamy texture, adding depth to the dish.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the stir-fry.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients, providing a neutral base for the flavors.

Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy flavors of the dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.

When stir-frying water spinach, make sure to keep the heat at medium-high to maintain a quick cooking process. This helps the vegetable retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Additionally, when adding the mashed fermented tofu, ensure it is well combined with the minced garlic to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.

• water spinach - Substitute with spinach: Spinach has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative.

• water spinach - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy has a slightly different texture but offers a similar crunch and can hold up well in stir-frying.

• fermented tofu - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste provides a similar umami flavor and can be used to mimic the depth of fermented tofu.

• fermented tofu - Substitute with soybean paste: Soybean paste has a strong, savory flavor that can replicate the taste of fermented tofu.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can still provide a good aromatic base for the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch to provide a similar flavor, though it lacks the fresh aroma.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements stir-fried dishes.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and can add a unique depth of flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar salty, umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter taste but still provide the umami flavor.

• Allow the stir-fried water spinach to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled water spinach into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the dish's freshness.
• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to keep the dish longer, consider freezing it. Portion the stir-fried water spinach into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking.
• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. This helps in preserving the texture and flavor of the water spinach.
• To reheat, thaw the frozen water spinach in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in a wok or pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the water spinach's tender texture and the rich flavor of the fermented tofu.
• Enjoy your fermented tofu stir-fried water spinach as a quick and delicious meal, even on busy days!

• For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and toss in the leftover fermented tofu stir-fried water spinach. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until heated through, ensuring the water spinach remains tender but not overcooked.

• If using a microwave, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as the water spinach can become mushy.

• For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fermented tofu stir-fried water spinach evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring once halfway through the reheating process.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method helps retain the water spinach's texture.

• For a quick steam reheat, set up a steamer basket over boiling water. Place the fermented tofu stir-fried water spinach in the basket, cover, and steam for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish's moisture and texture.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel essential for stir-frying, allowing for even heat distribution.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the wok.

• Knife: A sharp tool for cutting the water spinach into 3-inch pieces and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop the water spinach and garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to accurately measure the vegetable oil, sugar, and soy sauce.

• Bowl: A container to hold the washed and cut water spinach before cooking.

• Small bowl: A container to mash and hold the fermented tofu before adding it to the wok.

Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and cut the water spinach ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic.

Mash tofu beforehand: Mash the fermented tofu in advance and keep it ready to use.

Organize your workspace: Have all ingredients and tools within reach before you start cooking.

Quick stir-fry: Stir-fry the water spinach on high heat to reduce cooking time.