Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic and Soy Sauce
A quick and savory stir-fry of tender water spinach with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of heat. Ready in minutes, this is a perfect weeknight side dish.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 4g

Ingredients
7 items — tap to check off
Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.
Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Wash the 1 bunch water spinach and trim off any tough ends. Cut into 3-inch pieces. Peel and thinly slice the 4 garlic cloves and 1 small onion.
Step 2
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced garlic and onion, stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
Step 3
Add the water spinach and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Toss constantly with tongs until the leaves begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and continue tossing until the spinach is tender but still bright green, about 1 more minute.
Step 5
Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Step 6
Optional: add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar for extra brightness.
Step 7
Enjoy hot as a side dish with rice or your favorite protein.
Tools you’ll need
- Wok or large skillet
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
Custrd is an iPhone and Android app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations. Try it free for 7 days.


