Stir-Fried Watercress with Bean Sauce Recipe

Name: Stir-Fried Watercress with Bean Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (page 185), optional; 2 small dried red chiles, or to taste; 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 shallots, roughly chopped; 2 bunches of watercress, trimmed and roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons corn, grapeseed, or other neutral oil, as needed; 2 tablespoons yellow bean sauce (available at Chinese and Southeast Asian markets); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons nam pla, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Salt if necessary; About 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, preferably Thai

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon dried shrimp (page 185), optional
2 small dried red chiles, or to taste
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 shallots, roughly chopped
2 bunches of watercress, trimmed and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons corn, grapeseed, or other neutral oil, as needed
2 tablespoons yellow bean sauce (available at Chinese and Southeast Asian markets)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons nam pla, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Salt if necessary
About 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, preferably Thai

1
If youre using them, soak the dried shrimp in hot water to cover until softened, just a few minutes.
2
Combine them in a small food processor with the chiles, garlic, and shallots and process to a paste.
3
Toss with the watercress.
4
Put the oil in a skillet or wok over high heat; a minute later, add the watercress and paste.
5
Cook, stirring almost constantly, for about a minute, or until the watercress wilts.
6
Stir in 2 tablespoons water, then the bean sauce, sugar, nam pla, and pepper; cook for 10 seconds, then turn off the heat.
7
Taste and add salt or other seasoning as necessary.
8
Stir in the basil and serve.

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (page 185), optional, 2 small dried red chiles, or to taste, 2 garlic cloves, peeled, 2 shallots, roughly chopped, and more.

Yes, Stir-Fried Watercress with Bean Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Stir-Fried Watercress with Bean Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions