Where do I find water spinach?
Asian grocery stores, fresh or sometimes frozen. It is called morning glory, water convolvulus, or ong choy in different markets. Kang kong is the Southeast Asian name.
Chinese · dinner
Water Spinach with Chili and Fermented Tofu: Kong Xin Cai
#chinese#cantonese#vegetable#vegan#dinner
10m
Total time
4
Servings
90
kcal
easy
Difficulty
May 18, 2026
INGREDIENTS.
4
Produce
- 500 g water spinach (kong xin cai)
- 5 cloves garlic
Spice
- 2 medium fresh red chili
Pantry
- 20 g fermented white tofu (nam yu)
- 15 ml Shaoxing rice wine
- 3 g sugar
- 30 ml neutral oil
- 2 g salt
Sauce
- 10 ml light soy sauce
THE METHOD.
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FAQ · Things people ask
About this recipe.
What is fermented white tofu?
Nam yu (white) or nan ru (red) -- small cubes of tofu fermented in rice wine and salt. The white variety is milder. Found in Asian grocery stores in jars. If unavailable, double the garlic and add a splash of rice vinegar for a different but workable substitute.
Can I use regular spinach?
Yes, but it needs less time -- add it when the garlic is golden and cook for only 60 seconds. The dish works but loses the characteristic crunchy stems.
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