STIR-FRIED MORNING GLORY (RAU MUỐNG XÀO TỎI)
Stir-Fried Morning Glory(Rau Muống Xào Tỏi) is a beloved Vietnamese side dish known for its simplicity and bold garlic aroma. Often served alongside rice and grilled meats, this dish features tender water spinach (or its close substitute, spinach) flash-cooked in hot oil with fragrant garlic and seasoned with soy sauce. The result is a crisp-tender texture and deep umami flavour that complements virtually any meal. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it a staple in home kitchens and street-side eateries alike. This single-serving recipe is perfect for solo diners, light lunches or rounding out a Vietnamese-inspired meal. Whether you use Morning Glory or regular spinach, this garlicky green stir-fry brings out the essence of Vietnamese home cooking with minimal effort and maximum taste.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Side
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Vietnamese
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan
DISH TYPE
Side
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Stir-Fried Morning Glory:
- ½ cup morning glory (or spinach)
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 28 Kcal
- Total Fat: 1.4 G
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 G
- Cholesterol: 0 Mg
- Sodium: 136 Mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2.3 G
- Dietary Fibre: 1.1 G
- Sugars: 0.5 G
- Protein: 1.9 G
- Vitamin A: 1,258 Mcg
- Vitamin C: 17.2 Mg
- Calcium: 41 Mg
- Iron: 1.3 Mg
- Potassium: 212 Mg
PREPARATION
- Wash The Greens: Thoroughly rinse morning glory (or spinach) to remove dirt and grit. Drain and set aside.
- Heat The Pan: In a small non-stick skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium flame.
- Sauté The Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Greens: Toss in the morning glory or spinach and stir-fry quickly to coat with oil and garlic.
- Season And Cook: Drizzle in the soy sauce and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot as a side or with rice.
PREP TIME
3 minutes
COOKING TIME
3 minutes
TIPS
- Dry Greens Thoroughly: Pat dry or spin greens to prevent oil splatter during stir-frying.
- Don’t Overcook: Aim for a quick stir-fry to maintain a bright colour and slight crunch.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best with a hot pan for quick and even cooking.
- Adjust Flavour: Add a splash of vegetarian oyster sauce or a pinch of chilli flakes if desired.
- Prep Before Cooking: This dish cooks fast, so have all ingredients ready beforehand.
VARIATIONS
- With Tofu: Add small cubes of tofu for protein and a heartier dish.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Double the garlic for a bolder flavour.
- Coconut Oil Twist: Use coconut oil instead of neutral oil for a subtle tropical note.
- Soy-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten- and soy-free alternative.
- Lemon Zest Finish: Add a pinch of lemon zest after cooking for a refreshing touch.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Freezing affects texture, so it is not recommended.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prep garlic and wash greens ahead to save time on busy days.
- Reheat Carefully: Reheat in a pan over low heat for best results and avoid microwaving for long.