The Steamed Spinach with Garlic Sauce dish has a unique texture, with tender and juicy spinach leaves that are full of fragrance. The stalks are crisp and chewy, offering a delightful crunch, while the overall taste is subtly sweet with a lingering aroma. This sweetness is different from other vegetables; it’s more like a gentle and refreshing flavor that leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, this dish is rich in nutrients such as vitamins and dietary fiber, making it an excellent choice for supplementing the body’s nutritional needs. Spinach can be prepared in various ways to enhance its deliciousness and nutritional value. It can be boiled, stir-fried, or used in cold salads, resulting in a delightful and flavorful experience that appeals to both the elderly and children, as well as people of all ages.
Ingredients for Steamed Spinach with Garlic Sauce
| Spinach | 350g |
| Edible oil | 8g |
| Flour | 90g |
| Garlic | 30g |
| Aromatic vinegar |
4g |
| Sesame oil | 3g |
Steps:
1.First, prepare the ingredients. Take a bunch of fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly, and remove excess water. Place the spinach in a bowl and drizzle with a suitable amount of cooking oil. This helps prevent water loss and preserves the vibrant green color of the spinach while cooking. It also prevents the spinach from releasing excess water and sticking together. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the spinach according to your taste.
2.Start coating the spinach with flour or starch. You can use regular flour or cornstarch. Place the washed spinach in a bowl and toss it gently using a sieve or spoon, ensuring that each spinach leaf is coated evenly with a thin layer of flour or starch. This prevents the spinach from sticking during steaming. The moment when every spinach leaf is lightly coated with flour, resembling a white outer layer, is one of the unique features of this dish. It gives a fresh and elegant sensation.
3.Take an electric steamer pot and heat it up. Once the water is boiling, place a fine cheesecloth on the steaming rack. Arrange the flour-coated spinach evenly on the cloth and cover the pot, allowing the steam to cook the spinach. During this stage, you will witness the gradual transformation of the spinach into a bright green color under the effect of heat. It is a sign of its delicious state. After approximately 5 minutes, when the spinach turns bright green, turn off the heat. Be cautious not to overcook the spinach. What you experience is not only the deliciousness in your mouth but also the delicate and refreshing sensation of vegetables, spreading from your taste buds to your throat.
4.In another bowl, add a suitable amount of sesame oil and the prepared minced garlic. Stir well and set aside. You will see the perfect fusion of garlic and sesame oil, exuding an enticing fragrance that stimulates your appetite.
5.Once the spinach is steamed, transfer it to a serving bowl. Gently shake or mix it with chopsticks or hands, ensuring even distribution, and then drizzle with the sesame oil mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Now, the delicious garlic-steamed spinach is ready to be served!
Tips
1.If you are concerned about the oxalic acid in spinach, blanch it quickly in boiling water, then remove and drain the excess water before tossing it with cooking oil.
2.It is best to choose organic and healthy ingredients for spinach.
3.It is advisable not to consume spinach with foods high in calcium, as the oxalic acid in spinach can easily combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate, affecting calcium absorption.
4.When preparing the minced garlic, add rose salt and sesame oil, mix well, and evenly pour it over the spinach.
5.The amount of flour or starch can be adjusted according to personal preference. If you prefer a softer and more sticky texture, increase the amount of starch; if you prefer a tender and juicy texture, increase the amount of flour.
The beauty of Steamed Spinach with Garlic Sauce lies in its distinctive flavor and visually pleasing presentation. While it is delicious, it is not suitable for everyone. For instance, individuals with gout or hyperuricemia should consume it in small quantities or avoid it. Additionally, pregnant women should seek medical advice before consumption.