Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce
Quick stir-fry of tender beef and crunchy morning glory greens in a savory garlic sauce, a classic Vietnamese vegetable dish. This vietnamese ready in about 20 minutes blends beef sirloin, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 8 cups morning glory (water spinach), trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 10 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is mostly cooked and starting to brown around the edges.
- Step 3: Add 8 cups of morning glory cut into 3-inch pieces, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Stir-fry constantly for 2-3 minutes until the greens are bright green and just tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce?
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 Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Beef and Morning Glory with Garlic Sauce?
Vietnamese vietnamese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.