Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe

Have you ever stumbled across a dish so effortlessly delicious that it feels like a secret too good to keep? Let me introduce you to stir-fried water spinach, a vibrant medley of garlicky goodness and savory sauces that’s about to steal the show at your dinner table.

I love creating quick and healthy dishes, and my stir-fry water spinach is one of my favorites. Packed with nutrients, this Vietnamese classic balances the fresh taste of morning glory with the bold flavors of garlic and oyster sauce.

I think the hint of chili adds a delightful kick.

Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe Ingredients

• Water Spinach (Morning Glory): Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron, promoting digestive health and boosting immunity.
• Garlic: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, enhancing flavor and boosting the immune system.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds umami and savory flavor, low in calories but high in sodium.
• Fish Sauce: Provides a deep savory taste, rich in protein and minerals, but also high in sodium.
• Sugar: Balances flavors with a touch of sweetness, providing instant energy.

Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 500g water spinach (morning glory or rau muong), washed and cut into 4-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 small chili, sliced (for heat)

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How to Make this Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe

1. Prepare the water spinach by washing it thoroughly and cutting it into 4-inch pieces. Drain well and set aside.

2. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.

4. If using chili for heat, add the sliced chili to the garlic and stir briefly.

5. Increase the heat to high and add the water spinach to the pan, tossing quickly to coat with the oil and garlic.

6. Stir-fry the water spinach for 1-2 minutes, until it just begins to wilt.

7. Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

8. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

9. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the water spinach is tender-crisp and well-coated with the sauce.

10. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy as a side dish or over rice.

Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large wok or frying pan
2. Sharp knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Mixing spoon or spatula
6. Colander or salad spinner (for draining water spinach)
7. Bowl (for setting aside prepared ingredients)

FAQ

• What is water spinach?
  Water spinach, also known as morning glory or rau muong, is a popular leafy green vegetable used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and tender stems.
• Can I use another vegetable instead of water spinach?
  Yes, you can substitute water spinach with other leafy greens like spinach or bok choy, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
• Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
  If you need a substitute for oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce with a pinch of sugar or vegetarian mushroom sauce for a similar umami flavor.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?
  To make this dish vegetarian, omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce as a substitute for oyster sauce.
• How spicy is this dish?
  This dish is mildly spicy if you add the optional chili. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili according to your preference.
• Can this dish be prepared in advance?
  It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and stir-fry it quickly before serving.
• What can I serve with this stir-fry?
  This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice or as a side dish to grilled meats or other Vietnamese main dishes.

Stir Fry Water Spinach Morning Glory Garlic Rau Muong Xao Toi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

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• Vegetable oil can be replaced with canola oil or sunflower oil for a neutral taste.
• If you’re out of oyster sauce, use soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute.
• Fish sauce can be substituted with soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
• Sugar can be swapped with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
• If avoiding garlic, try using shallots for a milder flavor.

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Pro Tips

1. Quick Handling Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting to cook. The stir-frying process is quick, and you don’t want to overcook the water spinach by delaying.

2. Garlic Infusion For a deeper garlic flavor, allow the minced garlic to infuse in cool oil for a few minutes before heating the oil. This infuses more flavor into the oil.

3. High Heat Advantages Use high heat to quickly sear the water spinach. This helps retain the vegetable’s vibrant green color and crisp texture.

4. Sauce Adjustments Adjust the amount of fish sauce and oyster sauce according to taste, especially if you prefer a milder or more robust flavor profile.

5. Serving Suggestions Consider garnishing with crispy fried shallots or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added texture and a hint of acidity.