What Is Water Spinach?

Water spinach is a leafy green with hollow stems and tender leaves. It is also called ong choy, kangkong, morning glory, or Chinese water spinach, depending on the region and market.

Quick Answer

Water spinach is a fast-cooking Asian green with hollow stems and soft leaves. It is often stir-fried with garlic, fermented tofu, chili, or bean sauces. The stems stay juicy and crisp while the leaves wilt quickly.

Chinese Water Spinach, Ong Choy, Kangkong, and Morning Glory

Chinese water spinach, ong choy, kangkong, and morning glory often refer to the same hollow-stem leafy green. The name changes by region, market, and cuisine.

In Chinese cooking, it is commonly stir-fried quickly with garlic or fermented tofu. In Southeast Asian cooking, kangkong and morning glory may appear with chili, shrimp paste, or other bold seasonings.

What Does Water Spinach Taste Like?

Water spinach tastes mild, fresh, and green. The hollow stems are juicy and slightly crisp, while the leaves soften quickly.

It takes strong sauces well, which is why it often appears with garlic, chili, fermented tofu, or savory bean pastes.

How Water Spinach Is Used In Chinese Cooking

The most common method is a fast stir-fry. Garlic water spinach is simple and popular, while fermented tofu water spinach has a stronger savory flavor.

It can also appear in soups and hot pot-style meals, but it is best cooked briefly.

How To Prepare Water Spinach

Trim tough ends, rinse thoroughly, and cut stems and leaves into sections. If stems are thick, start them in the pan before the leaves.

Drain well before stir-frying so the wok stays hot.

Best Cooking Methods

Stir-frying is the best method. Use high heat, aromatics, and a short cooking time.

Avoid overcooking because the stems can lose their snap and the leaves can become limp.

Best Water Spinach Substitute

Use spinach, bok choy, choy sum, yu choy, or tender pea shoots. The hollow-stem texture is hard to copy, but these greens can fill a similar role.

FAQs

Is water spinach the same as ong choy?

Yes. Ong choy is one common name for water spinach.

Is water spinach the same as kangkong?

Yes. Kangkong is another common name for water spinach in Southeast Asian contexts.

Is morning glory the same as water spinach?

In many food markets, yes. Morning glory is another common name for edible water spinach, especially in Southeast Asian cooking.

How do you cook water spinach?

Stir-fry it quickly over high heat with garlic and a savory sauce.

Conclusion

Water spinach is a juicy, fast-cooking green for bold stir-fries. Keep the heat high, cook it briefly, and season it with strong aromatics.