Crispy Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Kong Xin Cai)
Relive the Taste of Southeast Asia! Easy & Delicious Morning Glory Stir-Fry Recipe (Authentic Thai & Vietnamese Style)
Did you know that the popular ‘Morning Glory’ dish often ordered in Southeast Asian restaurants is actually ‘Kong Xin Cai’ (water spinach)? It’s loved for its unique crispiness and savory flavor. Traditionally stir-fried with fish sauce, this recipe incorporates a small amount of oyster sauce and doenjang (Korean soybean paste) to create a richer, umami-packed flavor that still captures the essence of its origin. Here’s a simple yet special recipe for Kong Xin Cai stir-fry that brings the authentic taste of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen.
Main Ingredients
- Morning Glory (Kong Xin Cai) 150g
- Whole Garlic Cloves 3
Seasoning Mix
- Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste) 1/3 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/4 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
- Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste) 1/3 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/4 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the morning glory (Kong Xin Cai) under running water to remove any dirt or debris. This step is crucial for cleanliness. Once cleaned, cut the morning glory into manageable pieces, about 5-7 cm in length. Cutting them to this size ensures they are easy to stir-fry and maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful sauce for our stir-fry. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 Tbsp of doenjang, 1.5 Tbsp of oyster sauce, 1/4 Tbsp of sugar, and 3 Tbsp of water. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. The doenjang will add a deep, savory base, the oyster sauce provides umami, and the sugar offers a subtle sweetness, balancing the overall flavors.
Step 3
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the 3 whole garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced, and stir-fry until fragrant. Once the garlic aroma is released, add the prepared morning glory. Stir-fry quickly over high heat – the key is to keep it moving to maintain its crispness. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, as overcooked morning glory can become soggy. Immediately add the prepared sauce mixture and toss everything together quickly to ensure the greens are evenly coated. Stir-fry for another moment until the sauce is slightly thickened and coats the morning glory. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor!
