Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu
A simple stir-fry of water spinach with tofu and garlic, seasoned with soy sauce. This filipino-inspired filipino (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs trimmed Water spinach, pressed and cubed Firm tofu, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, trimmed Water spinach
- 8 oz, pressed and cubed Firm tofu
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz cubed tofu and stir-fry for 3 minutes until lightly golden on the edges.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz trimmed water spinach and stir-fry for 3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp sugar. Cook for 1 more minute until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed water spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Ginisang Kangkong with Tofu vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
