Spicy Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts with Garlic and Paprika

Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts Recipe

Discover the delightful crunch and fresh flavors of Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts, a quick and simple Asian-inspired side dish that can easily double as a savory snack. This vegetarian recipe combines the mild sweetness of water chestnuts with aromatic garlic, a medley of spices, and the earthy richness of extra virgin olive oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want a light snack that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, yet delicious dish!

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Servings:

2

Cuisine:

Asian

Course:

Side Dish

Diet:

Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Water Chestnuts:
   Begin by peeling the water chestnuts and setting them aside. If using canned water chestnuts, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess liquid.

2. Heat the Olive Oil:
   In a large pan or wok, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Let the oil get nice and hot, but not smoking.

3. Cook the Water Chestnuts:
   Add the peeled water chestnuts to the pan. Stir them gently, allowing them to sizzle for about 1 minute until they start to take on a slight golden hue.

4. Add the Garlic:
   Next, mince the garlic cloves and toss them into the pan with the water chestnuts. Stir everything together and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the garlic release its aromatic fragrance.

5. Season the Dish:
   Sprinkle the paprika powder, black pepper powder, and salt into the pan. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly coating the water chestnuts.

6. Add the Heat:
   Toss in the red chili flakes for a hint of spice. Continue to cook the mixture for 5 to 7 more minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the water chestnuts are evenly cooked and lightly crispy.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the water chestnuts are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the spices, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves for a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

8. Enjoy Your Dish:
   Serve the Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts immediately. You can pair this side dish with Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a standalone snack with a hot cup of Masala Chai during tea time.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes. For those who like it spicier, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will add the most flavor. Be sure to avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter if browned too much.
• Customization: You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots, for added texture and flavor.

This simple yet flavorful Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Whether as a side dish for an Asian-inspired dinner or as a snack to accompany your afternoon tea, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the crunchy goodness of water chestnuts in a savory, spice-infused form. Enjoy!