Puay Leng
Stir-fried Chinese Spinach
A simple and quick stir-fried dish featuring Puay Leng (Chinese spinach), garlic, and a touch of fish sauce. This dish is a common and healthy vegetable side, celebrated for its nutritional value and ease of preparation.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1 packet Puay Leng (Chinese Spinach)(about 250-300g, washed)
- 1 whole bulb Garlic(crushed or roughly chopped)
- 1-2 tbsp Thai Fish Sauce(adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Wash the Puay Leng thoroughly. If the stems are long, you can trim them. Crush or roughly chop the garlic cloves.
๐ก Tip: Soaking the spinach briefly can help remove any grit. - 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
โฑ๏ธ 1 minute - 3
Add the crushed garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly browned, about 30-60 seconds.
โฑ๏ธ 1 minute๐ก Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 4
Add the washed Puay Leng to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
โฑ๏ธ 3 minutes - 5
Pour in the Thai fish sauce and toss everything together to combine. Cook for another minute.
โฑ๏ธ 1 minute๐ก Tip: Taste and adjust fish sauce for saltiness and umami. - 6
Serve immediately as a side dish.
โฑ๏ธ 1 minute
๐ก Pro Tips
- โDon't overcook the spinach; it should remain slightly crisp.
- โAdjust the amount of fish sauce to your preference for saltiness.
- โYou can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours if desired.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of oyster sauce for extra depth.
- Include a few slices of chili for a spicy kick.
- Stir-fry with minced pork or dried shrimp for a more substantial dish.