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Stir-Fried Watercress: A Healthy Leafy Green Vegetable Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A quick and healthy stir-fried watercress recipe that highlights the fresh, peppery flavor of this leafy green vegetable. This easy side dish uses simple aromatics like ginger and garlic, finished with a touch of sesame oil and seasoning to deliver a vibrant, nutrient-packed addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 bunches watercress (about 1 pound/450g, washed thoroughly)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely julienned)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon MSG (very optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the wok: Place your wok over medium-high heat and add the oil, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.
  2. Add aromatics: Add the julienned ginger, allowing it to caramelize and infuse the oil without burning. Then add the minced garlic and stir quickly.
  3. Introduce watercress: Immediately add the watercress and increase the heat to high to prevent the garlic from burning.
  4. Initial stir-fry: Stir-fry the watercress for 20 seconds to blend the flavors evenly. Then pile the greens in the center of the wok and cover it.
  5. Steam the watercress: After 45 seconds, uncover the wok. Use a circular stirring motion to drag the watercress and its juices around the edges of the wok to create wok hay flavor.
  6. Season: Gather the watercress back to the center. Add white pepper, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and optional MSG, mixing quickly to combine.
  7. Final stir-fry: Stir-fry the seasoned watercress again, ensuring the mixture touches the wok’s hot edges to enhance flavor.
  8. Serve: Use a wok spatula to transfer the watercress and its flavorful liquid to a shallow bowl. Enjoy as a side dish or paired with steamed white rice for a light vegan meal.

Notes

  • The MSG is optional but enhances the umami and restaurant-style flavor of the dish.
  • Use fresh watercress for best texture and flavor; remove tough stems if needed.
  • Careful not to burn the garlic and ginger as it may impart bitterness.
  • This dish is very quick to cook; have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting.
  • Serve immediately for optimal texture, as watercress cooks very quickly and can become soggy.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/stir-fried-watercress-a-healthy-leafy-green-vegetable-recipe/