Tumis kangkung is a traditional dish originating from Java. The dish is usually made with a combination of kangkung (water spinach), shallots, garlic, galangal, hot chili peppers, sugar, salt, oil, and roasted shrimp paste. The garlic, shallots, hot chili peppers, shrimp paste, and galangal are sautéed in oil, then seasoned with salt and sugar.

Chopped water spinach is then added to the pan and the combination is stir-fried until the vegetable becomes tender. The dish can be served as a standalone meal or as an accompaniment to other foods.