Vietnamese Morning Glory Stir Fry with Garlic

This Vietnamese Morning Glory Stir Fry with Garlic (Rau muống xào tỏi) features crisp morning glory (water spinach) sautéed with fragrant garlic. It's a popular Vietnamese side dish, easy to make and bursting with flavors!

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• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• How to serve
• Variations
• Substitutions
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Morning glory, also known as water spinach, is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese cuisine. Morning glory has long, slender stems with thick, glossy leaves. The leaves are typically dark green and have a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. The stems are tender and crisp, offering a pleasant crunch when cooked.

Morning glory is valued for its nutritional content, being a good source of vitamins A, C, and minerals such as iron and calcium. It is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads.

This recipe makes an easy & quick weeknight meal in 20 minutes, it's perfect as a side dish that is perfect with rice!

For other Vietnamese side dishes, check out this Vietnamese Tofu with Tomato Sauce, Steamed Silken Tofu with Mushroom Sauce, Grilled Eggplant with Scallion Oil, and Lemongrass Tofu!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. It requires simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it accessible to all levels of cooking expertise.

• Versatile and Customizable: This stir fry serves as a versatile side dish or a light vegetarian main course. Additionally, the recipe allows for variations and substitutions, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Nutritious and Fresh: Morning glory is a nutritious leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. By incorporating it into this stir fry, you're adding a healthy and vibrant element to your meal.

• Authentic Vietnamese Flavors: By following this recipe, you'll experience the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine right in your own kitchen. It's a great way to explore and appreciate the culinary traditions of Vietnam.

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• Morning Glory: The morning glory, with its vibrant green color and crisp texture, provides a refreshing and nutritious element to the stir fry, balancing out the richness of the sauce and garlic.

• Garlic: The combination of finely minced and chopped garlic infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile and adding depth to the stir fry.

• Cooking Oil

• Salt: The small amount of salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the morning glory and garlic and adds a touch of savory goodness to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the stir fry, complementing the garlic and providing a rich and satisfying taste to the overall dish.

• Vegan Oyster Sauce (or substitute with more soy sauce): The vegan oyster sauce, or an alternative like more soy sauce, contributes deep and complex flavors to the stir fry.

Instructions

Rinse the morning glory thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim off the tough ends of the stems and discard any wilted leaves.

Blanch the morning glory in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain off excess water.

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Remove the fried garlic and set aside.

Add the chopped garlic and morning glory to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt and the stems become tender. Keep the heat high to maintain a quick cooking process while preserving the vibrant green color of the vegetable.

Sprinkle the salt, soy sauce, and vegetarian oyster sauce over the stir-fried morning glory. Give it a good toss to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

How to serve

Serve it as a side dish or pair it with steamed rice for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch of morning glory and the aromatic garlic in every bite!

Variations

• Protein Additions: Incorporate thinly sliced tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a protein boost. Stir-fry them along with the morning glory and garlic.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

• Vegetables Medley: Experiment with a mix of colorful bell peppers, sliced carrots, or snap peas to complement the morning glory.

• Sauce Variations: Substitute vegan oyster sauce with extra soy sauce or tamari, or add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.

• Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation and flavor with chopped scallions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds as a garnish.

Substitutions

• Vegan Oyster Sauce: Replace it with more soy sauce or tamari to maintain the savory flavor.
• Morning Glory: If morning glory is not available, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or bok choy.
• Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. You can use all minced garlic or all chopped garlic based on what you have.
• Cooking Oil: Use any mild-flavored cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!

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