Water Chestnut

Eleocharis dulcis Vegetable, Tuber

Water Chestnut Vegetable, Tuber

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Tuber

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of texture, keeping dishes lively and crunchy."

Definition

An aquatic tuber vegetable prized for its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, often used in Asian cuisine.

Global Production (2020 est.) ~1.3 million metric tons
Shelf Life (Fresh, Refrigerated) 1-2 weeks
Water Content ~80-85%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Water Chestnut are:

Mild Sweet Earthy

Chef’s Secret

For an extra crisp result in stir-fries, add fresh water chestnuts last, after other vegetables are nearly cooked, to minimize cooking time.

Best Substitutes

Jicama

for crunch
Ratio 1:1

Daikon Radish

for crunch
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, unblemished tubers. Canned versions should be stored in their liquid once opened.

Recipes Using Water Chestnut

Beef Low In Something Low Sodium Asian

Amy's Beef Stir Fry

A restaurant-quality beef stir-fry, adapted from Donna Kaup's "Dining in Quarters A" cookbook. This recipe delivers tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests.

See Complete Recipe
Salads Main Ingredient Easy To Go

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Wow your taste buds with this incredibly easy and impressive Angel Hair Pasta Salad! Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant salad combines delicate angel hair pasta with crunchy almonds, sesame seeds, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.

See Complete Recipe
Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables Course

Asian Chicken Orzo Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired pasta salad perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a light weeknight meal. This recipe, inspired by Paula Deen, features tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Main Ingredient Dietary 30 Minutes Or Less

Asian Ground Beef Pepper And Onion Saute

This fiery Asian Ground Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry is a family favorite! We've amped up the flavor with a vibrant sauce, tender water chestnuts, and a delicious kick from ginger, red pepper flakes, and chili paste. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is Weight Watchers friendly (3 points per serving using 96% lean ground beef) and makes 6 generous servings. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
High In Something Course Beef One Dish Meal

Asian Meatballs With Sesame Lime Dipping Sauce

Spice up your weeknight routine with these delectable Asian Meatballs! Inspired by Gourmet Magazine's May 2007 issue, this recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal. Tender pork and veal meatballs (or substitute ground beef!) are baked to perfection and served with a zesty sesame lime dipping sauce. Served over fluffy white rice, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors in under an hour!

See Complete Recipe
Course Time To Make Cuisine Inexpensive

Asian Pork Balls With Napa Cabbage

A flavor explosion! This recipe combines succulent pork meatballs with crisp Napa cabbage in a rich, savory sauce. Infused with the aromatic notes of sesame oil and sherry, these Asian pork balls are a low-carb adaptable delight (cornstarch optional!). Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Shellfish 60 Minutes Or Less Shrimp

Asian Shrimp And Pasta

A vibrant and flavorful Asian Shrimp Pasta recipe, inspired by Southern Living Magazine (May 2004). This quick and easy dish is perfect for seafood lovers! Enjoy succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty soy-ginger sauce with crunchy water chestnuts and fresh herbs over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under an hour!

See Complete Recipe
American Pasta Time To Make Main Dish

Asian Style Chicken Ramen Dinner Cole Slaw

Craving a quick, flavorful, and unique salad? This Asian Style Chicken Ramen Salad is your answer! This creamy, non-sweet recipe combines crispy chicken, crunchy ramen noodles, and a refreshing coleslaw for a dish that's perfect as a light dinner, a satisfying side, or a crowd-pleasing potluck star. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, this recipe is packed with Asian-inspired flavors and customizable to your liking. Add your favorite toppings like sliced black olives, almonds, or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor!

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Course Taste Mood Dinner Party

Asian Sweet And Spicy Noodles Vegetarian

Craving a vibrant and flavorful noodle dish? This Asian Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian Noodles recipe is a game-changer! Quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for a weeknight meal or a make-ahead picnic. The sweet and spicy sauce, featuring honey, rice wine vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, coats perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a symphony of tastes. Loaded with colorful veggies like baby corn, chestnuts, bell peppers, and peas, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Add protein like shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Course Equipment Shellfish Seafood

Asparagus Shrimp Noodles

This surprisingly delicious Asparagus Shrimp Noodle recipe was born from a happy accident! Using fresh or frozen asparagus, this quick and easy dish is packed with flavor. Customize the heat with chili paste to your liking. Perfect for a weeknight meal, and light enough to fit into almost any healthy eating plan. Get ready to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Toddler Friendly One Dish Meal

Aunt Lee's Oriental Noodles

A quick and easy, healthy, and flavorful Korean-inspired noodle dish! This family favorite recipe, passed down from Aunt Lee, is bursting with savory aromas and satisfying textures. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood 60 Minutes Or Less Fall Vegetarian

Aunt Lynn's Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole isn't your grandma's! A family favorite, this recipe takes a classic Thanksgiving side dish and elevates it with unexpected flavors. Inspired by a traditional recipe but tweaked to perfection, this version boasts a creamy, nutty, and cheesy goodness that will impress your guests. Get ready for rave reviews this Thanksgiving!

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Easy Northeastern United States

Baked French Rice

This creamy, dreamy Baked French Rice Casserole is a family favorite, passed down through generations! Inspired by a recipe from 30 years ago, this comforting dish features tender rice, savory mushrooms, and water chestnuts baked to perfection in a rich and creamy sauce. Get ready for rave reviews – it's guaranteed to become a staple in your own family's recipe book!

See Complete Recipe
Finger Food Course Occasion Pork

Baked Lumpia Rolls

Experience the irresistible taste of authentic Filipino Baked Lumpia! These crispy, savory rolls are packed with a delicious blend of pork, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch so good, you'll want to double it! Get ready to impress your family and friends with these golden-brown delights.

See Complete Recipe
Easy Easy Dinner Party Served Hot

Baked Spinach Dip Loaf

This incredible Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Loaf recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for your next holiday gathering or party! A warm, cheesy, and flavorful dip baked inside a crusty bread loaf. This recipe transforms a simple appetizer into a show-stopping centerpiece. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Dips Appetizers Main Ingredient Course

Baked Vidalia Dip

Indulge in the sweet, irresistible flavor of this Baked Vidalia Onion Dip! Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this recipe uses the best sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Texas Sweet – but skip the regular yellow ones!). The caramelized onions, creamy base, and buttery crackers create a dip that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for the best onion dip of your life!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Course Main Dish Asian

Barley And Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy 20-minute Barley and Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry recipe from Lorna Sass's "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses leftover cooked barley (or your favorite grain!) and pre-sliced chicken for ultimate convenience. The savory sesame sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp Chenin Blanc for the ultimate culinary experience!

See Complete Recipe
Chinese Main Dish Cuisine One Dish Meal

Beth's Best Sweet And Sour Chicken

A family favorite, this sweet and sour chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic! Inspired by a Betty Crocker recipe, this version has evolved over time, boasting tender, crispy chicken nuggets in a vibrant, tangy sauce. Customize your veggies, serve with fried rice or noodles, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish as a satisfying main course or fun finger food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

See Complete Recipe