Sambal Kangkong Recipe for Vegetarian

Sambal Kangkong is a popular Southeast Asian dish made with water spinach (also known as kangkong or morning glory) stir-fried in a spicy sambal sauce. It's a flavorful and spicy dish commonly found in Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian cuisines.

 

Here's how you can make a vegetarian version of Sambal Kangkong:

 

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of water spinach (kangkong), washed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 red chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon belacan (dried shrimp paste), optional (omit for a vegetarian version)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
• Juice of 1 lime or 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Water Spinach:
   • Wash the water spinach thoroughly under cold water and cut it into 2-inch pieces. Discard any tough stems.
2. Make the Sambal Sauce:
   • If using belacan, dry roast it in a pan over low heat until fragrant. Then, crush it into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the belacan powder (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
   • Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar (or palm sugar), and lime juice (or rice vinegar). Cook for another minute until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
3. Cook the Water Spinach:
   • Add the prepared water spinach to the wok or skillet, stirring continuously to coat the vegetables evenly with the sambal sauce.
   • Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the water spinach is wilted but still vibrant green. Be careful not to overcook it.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the Sambal Kangkong to a serving dish and serve hot as a side dish or part of a larger meal.

Enjoy your Sambal Kangkong with steamed rice or as a spicy accompaniment to other vegetarian dishes. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds!