Stir-fried Morning Glory with Dried Shrimp is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Thai dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a vibrant addition to your next dinner party. The slightly bitter greens of the morning glory (also known as water spinach) are beautifully balanced by the salty, umami punch of the dried shrimp, creating a complex taste sensation that's both satisfying and refreshing. This classic Thai street food is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. The intense aroma of garlic, chili, and fish sauce will fill your kitchen with the essence of Thailand, transporting you to a bustling street market with every delicious bite.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide, ensuring even novice cooks can master this flavorful dish. From preparing the morning glory to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, we’ll walk you through each stage to help you create a restaurant-quality stir-fry in your own kitchen. Let's get started and unlock the secrets to this irresistible Thai classic!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife (optional)
- Mortar and Pestle
Ingredients
- Morning Glory: 1 gram (approx. 10 baht)
- Dried Shrimp
- Red Chili Peppers: 4
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Soy Sauce
- Seasoning Powder
- Oyster Sauce
- Sugar
- Cooking Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Pick and thoroughly wash the morning glory 2-3 times.
- Wash the dried shrimp thoroughly and soak it in water.
- Pound the chili peppers, garlic, and dried shrimp.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp
- Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the pounded chili and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the dried shrimp to the pan.
Step 3. Stir-fry Morning Glory
- Add the morning glory and stir-fry.
- Season with soy sauce, seasoning powder, oyster sauce, and sugar to taste. Stir-fry until the morning glory is cooked.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- You can use fresh shrimp instead of dried shrimp.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spiciness level.
- This dish goes well with rice or rice porridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 70-100
- Fat: 2-5g
- Carbs: 8-12g
- Protein: 2-4g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the dried shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute with fresh shrimp, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Dried shrimp adds a unique salty, umami flavor that fresh shrimp won't replicate completely.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be a substitute, but it won't have the same depth of flavor. You can use about half the amount of soy sauce as you would fish sauce and add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness.
3. How do I prepare the morning glory?
Simply wash the morning glory thoroughly and trim off the ends. You can leave it whole or cut it into shorter pieces depending on your preference. It cooks quickly, so don't overcook it.
This simple stir-fry is a testament to the magic of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With minimal effort, you can transport yourself to the vibrant street food stalls of Thailand, enjoying a dish bursting with authentic taste. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – you won't be disappointed!