Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory

If you’ve ever shared a family meal in Vietnam, chances are you’ve seen a plate of Stir Fried Morning Glory on the table, or as we commonly call it: Rau Muống Xào Tỏi.

This comforting stir-fry of morning glory (water spinach) and garlic is one of the most beloved everyday dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s quick, affordable, and full of fresh flavour – the kind of recipe that makes home cooking so satisfying.

Jump to:

• ❓What is Morning Glory?
• 🥬 Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory
• 📝How to make Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory
• 💚Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

❓What is Morning Glory?

Morning Glory/ Water Spinach/ Rau Muống is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese cuisine. It 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.

🥬 Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory

• Authentic Vietnamese comfort food – served in homes and casual eateries alike.
• Quick & easy – ready in under 10 minutes.
• Naturally vegan – no need for substitutes.
• Fresh and garlicky – pairs perfectly with rice and other mains.

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!

📝How to make Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory

Ingredients

• 2 bunches morning glory (500g)
• 5–6 cloves garlic (smashed & chopped)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce
• Cooking oil
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavour)

Instructions

1. Wash the morning glory thoroughly and cut into lengths of about 3–4 inches.
2. Blanch the morning glory in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain off excess water.
3. Smash half of the garlic for stir fry, and mince the other half for the fragrant garlic oil.
4. Heat the pan, or wok to add that authentic Asian cooking style, with only a small amount of oil
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic. Then set aside.
6. Repeat the two steps above but this time with smashed garlic.
7. Toss in the greens, add soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Then stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the stems stay crisp and the leaves just wilt.
8. Serve hot on a large plate and drizzle the garlic oil on top with crispy minced garlic.

🎯 Tips for success

• Cook very quickly – overcooking makes the stems soggy.
• Don’t skimp on garlic – it’s the soul of this dish.
• Serve immediately – like most stir-fries, it’s best eaten hot and fresh.
• Fine dining but at home:
  • Professional chefs use a method called Ice Bath, which simply means submerging the greens in a bowl of ice water after blanching. This will stop the cooking process immediately to keep the freshness and color all day long, so they can prepare it quickly when someone orders yet still look pleasing to the eyes.
• How to serve - this stir fried morning glory is best with a bowl of warm rice or mix in with noodles.

💚Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Stir Fried Morning Glory is proof that the simplest dishes are often the most memorable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring authentic Vietnamese home cooking to your table in minutes. It’s fresh, nourishing, and wonderfully garlicky – a true taste of Vietnam.

Next time you’re at the market, grab a bunch of morning glory and try this easy stir-fry for a side dish that goes with just about everything.

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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📖 Recipe

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