Taiwanese Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu
A classic and beloved Taiwanese home-style dish, stir-fried water spinach (ong choy) is given a unique umami boost from fermented tofu (fu ru). This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1 lb Water spinach (ong choy), trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
- 2 cubes Fermented tofu (fu ru), mashed
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Water
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Wash the water spinach thoroughly and trim off any tough ends. Cut the stems and leaves into roughly 3-inch lengths.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the water spinach is well-drained after washing to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce. - 2
In a small bowl, mash the fermented tofu cubes with a fork until a paste forms. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the mashed tofu and mix well.
๐ก Tip: The quality of fermented tofu can vary; adjust the amount of soy sauce to your preference. - 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
๐ก Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. - 4
Add the water spinach to the wok. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt.
๐ก Tip: Add the water spinach in batches if your wok is not large enough to avoid overcrowding. - 5
Pour the fermented tofu mixture over the water spinach. Add the 2 tablespoons of water. Stir-fry quickly to coat the spinach evenly with the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is tender-crisp.
๐ก Tip: Stir-frying quickly ensures the spinach remains vibrant green and retains a slight crunch. - 6
Serve immediately with steamed rice.
๐ก Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โIf water spinach is unavailable, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or bok choy, though the texture and flavor will differ.
- โAdjust the amount of fermented tofu to your liking, as it has a strong flavor.
- โFor a spicier version, add a pinch of dried chili flakes with the garlic.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few slices of dried shrimp for an extra layer of seafood flavor.
- A splash of Shaoxing wine can be added along with the soy sauce for added depth.