Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry of fresh morning glory tossed with tangy tamarind and savory fish sauce, embodying the bold flavors of Laos. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs garlic cloves, minced, bird’s eye chilies, sliced, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced bird’s eye chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz trimmed and cut morning glory stems and leaves to the wok, tossing quickly for 1 minute until they start to wilt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp palm sugar. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the greens.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate, serving immediately with steamed jasmine rice or as a side to grilled meats.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Tamarind and Fish Sauce Stir-Fried Morning Glory vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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