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

Main Dish Preparation Asian Main Dish

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!

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Asian Dietary Cuisine Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Beef And Noodles

Savor the explosion of flavors in this quick and easy Asian Beef and Noodles Stir-Fry! Tender sirloin steak is tossed with vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snow peas in a savory sauce, all served over perfectly cooked noodles. A delicious and satisfying weeknight meal ready in under 40 minutes!

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Appetizers 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Inexpensive

Asian Stuffed Eggplant With Hawaiian Style Pork Or Turkey Hash

A nostalgic fusion recipe! This dish combines the richness of Asian-stuffed eggplant with the savory delight of Hawaiian-style pork (or turkey!) hash. Relive childhood memories of the iconic Hawaiian 'manapua man' with this exciting recipe. Imagine juicy, tender pork hash – like a meatball in a wonton wrapper – nestled inside tender eggplant, then drizzled with a vibrant sauce. Choose from classic Coleman's mustard and soy sauce, a savory black bean sauce, or a sweet teriyaki glaze. This recipe is a flavorful adventure, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Beginner Cook Main Ingredient Equipment Easy

Asian Chicken Noodle And Vegetable Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Asian Chicken Noodle & Vegetable Salad, ready in 20 minutes! This lightened-up recipe is inspired by Cooking Light, offering a delicious blend of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and savory noodles. Easily customizable – swap cucumbers for water chestnuts if you prefer! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy lunch.

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Soups Stews Preparation Low Saturated Fat Low In Something

Asian Noodle Soup

A quick and flavorful Asian Noodle Soup recipe ready in under 30 minutes! This vibrant soup features tender vegetables, perfectly cooked noodles, and a delicious savory broth. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite protein and vegetables!

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Weeknight Pasta Rice And Grains Main Dish Main Ingredient

Asian Steamed Pork Meatballs Sesame Noodles Salad

Craving delicious Chinese takeout but hate the wait? This vibrant 3-course Asian meal is ready in under an hour! Enjoy juicy steamed pork meatballs (perfect as an appetizer or main course) served alongside refreshing chilled sesame noodles and a crunchy Asian salad bursting with napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, cucumber, red onion, and water chestnuts. A simple, flavorful dipping sauce unites all the elements. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and features a clever time-saving technique: while the meatballs steam, you'll whip up the salad and noodles! Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying Asian feast.

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Grilling Preparation Diabetic Main Ingredient

Asian Style Chicken Packets With Vegetables

Effortless weeknight dinner! These flavorful Asian-style chicken packets are packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce. No cleanup, just deliciousness! Perfect for a quick and healthy meal. (Suitable for SBD Phase 2).

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Casseroles Pasta Rice And Grains

A L Chicken Pasta Casserole

Impress your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make A L Chicken Pasta Casserole! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special lunch, this make-ahead casserole requires only 30 minutes of oven time. Pre-cooked chicken and veggies ensure a quick and simple preparation, leaving you with more time to enjoy your company. Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe was inspired by a delightful lunch with guests from Holland!

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Summer Main Ingredient Poultry Chicken

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Cool down with these incredibly quick and easy Asian Lettuce Wraps! Perfect for a hot summer day, this recipe is packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes. Skip the wraps entirely and enjoy this vibrant filling over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. A delightful blend of savory and sweet, these wraps are a crowd-pleaser!

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Time To Make Time To Make Easy Beef

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Craving a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner? These Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution! This family-favorite recipe bursts with delicious Asian-inspired flavors – savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce – all nestled in crisp lettuce cups. Easy to customize to your spice preference, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Very Low Carbs Chinese Beef Time To Make

Beef And Broccoli With Garlic Sauce

Savor the sizzling flavors of this quick and easy Beef and Broccoli recipe! Perfectly tender beef strips are stir-fried with vibrant broccoli, carrots, and a fragrant garlic sauce. Prep your veggies ahead for a lightning-fast 25-minute meal that's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe uses approximately 4 cups of mixed vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.

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Time To Make Seafood Asian Shrimp

Asian Cheese Ball With Shrimp Water Chestnuts

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Asian-inspired cheese ball! A delightful fusion of creamy cream cheese, succulent shrimp, crunchy water chestnuts, and zesty Asian flavors. Serve with celery, carrots, pita bread, grilled chicken, or your favorite dippers for an unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Easy Course Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnut

Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts tossed in a sweet and spicy chili glaze – the perfect addictive appetizer! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a fun weeknight snack. Get ready for flavor explosions in every bite!

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30 Minutes Or Less Easy Cuisine Asian

Asian Chicken Noodle And Vegetable Salad

A vibrant and healthy Asian Chicken Noodle Salad, perfect for a quick weeknight meal! This light and zesty recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful chili sauce dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Side Dishes Dietary Casseroles Preparation

100 Broccoli Casserole

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy 100 Broccoli Casserole! A delicious alternative to heavy cheese casseroles, this recipe features tender broccoli florets in a luscious sauce, topped with golden-brown cracker crumbs. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite!

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Course Seafood Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Awesome Crab Dip

This addictive crab dip is ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to disappear! Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with crab flavor, it's the perfect appetizer for your next gathering. Get ready for rave reviews – this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

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Main Ingredient Meat Fruit Dinner Party

Bacon Wrapped Waterchestnuts With Pineapple

These irresistible bacon-wrapped water chestnuts with pineapple are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! The sweet pineapple perfectly complements the salty bacon, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. These appetizers are always the first to disappear – prepare to be amazed! Make them ahead – pre-bake and keep warm in a crock-pot, or simply reheat in the microwave for effortless entertaining.

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Vegetarian 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Rice

Aussie Rice Salad

This vibrant Aussie Rice Salad is a crowd-pleaser! A refined recipe from an Australian website, featuring a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables, savory bacon bits (or water chestnuts!), and a creamy, subtly spiced mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or side dish. We've tweaked the original recipe based on your feedback for a perfectly balanced flavor profile – less soy sauce and allspice, more mayo for a creamier texture, and the perfect touch of sweetness from the veggies. Get ready to enjoy this taste of Australia!

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