Spinach and Red Shen Choy in Garlicky Broth Recipe

By
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a Chinese-born and Philadelphia-raised food writer and recipe developer who specializes in Chinese home cooking. She's also a web designer.
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Updated Aug. 29, 2018
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Shao Z.

Tender baby spinach and red shen choy are briefly simmered just until wilted, then served very simply with a broth flavored with lightly browned garlic. I can't think of an easier way to put a delicious side dish on the table.

Note: Shen Choy is also known as red amaranth and can be found in most Asian markets. If unavailable, you can use more spinach or any semi-tender green like watercress, iceberg lettuce, or snow pea shoots.

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Recipe Facts

Active: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
Serves: 3 to 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 quarts tightly packed leaves) baby spinach, trimmed and washed
  • 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 quarts tightly packed leaves) red shen choy, trimmed and washed (see note)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shen choy and boil for 1 minute. Add spinach and continue boiling 1 minute longer. Drain well and place in a large shallow serving bowl.

  2. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it’s a little soft and starting to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, bring it to a boil, and season it with salt if needed. Pour the hot broth with the garlic on top of the greens. Serve immediately.

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