This vibrant stir-fry transforms humble spinach into a restaurant-quality side dish using the umami-rich depth of fermented bean curd (fu ru). The spinach remains crisp-tender and bright, coated in a savory, slightly salty sauce that is both comforting and complex. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a balancing vegetable alongside richer mains, this recipe comes together in under twenty minutes. It highlights the traditional Chinese technique of using fermented ingredients to elevate simple greens, offering a bold flavor profile that is uniquely satisfying.
Stir Fried Spinach With Fermented Bean Cheese
Description
This vibrant stir-fry transforms humble spinach into a restaurant-quality side dish using the umami-rich depth of fermented bean curd (fu ru). The spinach remains crisp-tender and bright, coated in a savory, slightly salty sauce that is both comforting and complex. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a balancing vegetable alongside richer mains, this recipe comes together in under twenty minutes. It highlights the traditional Chinese technique of using fermented ingredients to elevate simple greens, offering a bold flavor profile that is uniquely satisfying.Ingredients
Directions
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Remove and discard the tough stems from the spinach. Wash and rinse spinach thoroughly. Remove excess water in a lettuce spinner.
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Preheat a wok over medium heat and add the peanut oil, ginger, garlic, and salt.
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When oil becomes fragrant, increase heat to high. Add the spinach in large handfuls, seconds apart, and stir-fry until leaves are wilted.
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Mash the fermented bean curd (fu ru) and mix it with the sugar.
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Push the spinach aside and put the fu ru mixture in the center of the wok.
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Stir together over high heat until the spinach is cooked and coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 77.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.7g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.3g7%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 39.5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.8g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 1.4g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Fermented bean curd (fu ru) is packed in glass jars, often labeled "FU RU The Cultured Tofu." Once opened, store in the refrigerator. It will keep indefinitely.
Chinese water spinach may be cooked in the same manner. Prepare the water spinach by using the leaves and only about 2 inches of the tender hollow stems.
Typical additional ingredients for this dish include 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cube of fu ru (white fermented bean curd), 1 tsp sugar, and crushed ginger and garlic cloves.
