Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Garlic

Ingredients

In this Cambodian adaptation, the Vietnamese dish of Rau muống xào tỏi is transformed into a Cambodian-style stir-fried water spinach. While the original recipe uses Vietnamese seasonings and cooking techniques, the Cambodian version incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Cambodian cuisine. The dish maintains the essence of stir-fried water spinach but with a distinct Cambodian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Rau muống xào tỏi, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) water spinach 500 grams (1.1 lbs) water spinach
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the water spinach thoroughly and trim off any tough stems. Cut the water spinach into 2-inch pieces.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Increase the heat to high and add the water spinach to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender-crisp.
5. 5.
   Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for another minute to coat the water spinach evenly with the seasonings.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
7. 7.
   Transfer the stir-fried water spinach to a serving dish and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Water spinach — Make sure to wash the water spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. Trim off any tough stems before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a small amount of chopped chili peppers along with the garlic.
• If water spinach is not available, you can substitute it with other leafy greens such as kale or spinach.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or increase the sugar for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Serve the stir-fried water spinach as a side dish alongside grilled meats or steamed rice for a complete Cambodian meal.
• To enhance the flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Cambodian Twist: Garlicky Stir-Fried Water Spinach hot as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, steamed rice, or as part of a larger Cambodian feast.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stir-fried water spinach with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and visual appeal to the dish.