Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai Stir Fried Morning Glory (Pad Pak Boong), a quick and easy dish bursting with fresh, aromatic ingredients. This beloved Thai recipe features tender morning glory stems and leaves sautéed in a savory blend of garlic, chili, and fermented soybeans, delivering an irresistible combination of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, Pad Pak Boong is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
1bunch morning glorywater spinach, washed and trimmed
3clovesgarlicminced
2red chiliessliced
2tablespoonssoybean pastetao jiew
1tablespoonoyster sauce
1tablespoonfish sauce
1teaspoonsugar
2tablespoonsvegetable oil
2tablespoonswater
Instructions
Prepare the Morning GloryBegin by thoroughly washing the morning glory, ensuring all dirt and grit are removed. Trim off any tough stems, keeping only the tender parts. Cut the morning glory into 3-4 inch pieces for easy stir-frying. This preparation step ensures that the morning glory cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Create the Flavor BaseIn a small bowl, combine the soybean paste, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. This sauce mixture will form the base of your dish, providing a rich, umami flavor that complements the fresh morning glory.
Stir-Fry the AromaticsHeat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step releases the garlic and chilies' essential oils, infusing the oil with their spicy, aromatic flavors.
Cook the Morning GloryAdd the prepared morning glory to the wok, tossing quickly to coat the leaves and stems with the garlic and chili-infused oil. Pour in the sauce mixture and water, continuing to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the morning glory is wilted but still vibrant green. This brief cooking time ensures the morning glory remains tender-crisp and flavorful.
Serve and EnjoyTransfer the stir fried morning glory to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce. Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course with steamed rice. Enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of this classic Thai dish.