Try This Super Simple Southeast Asian Style Stir-Fried Morning Glory Recipe

Wake up your palate with this easy, vibrant Southeast Asian-style stir-fry recipe featuring morning glory

Contributed By

Shreya Cheema

May 19, 2025

Morning Glory

Morning Glory

Morning glory, known as water spinach, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian countries. It grows all over Southeast Asia and is a popular side dish for meals because it cooks up quickly and tastes good. A plate of stir-fried greens is integral to all family-style meals with assorted dishes.

The Chinese name for morning glory translates to “hollow heart vegetable,” as it is named after its hollow and crunchy stems. Other names include ong choy, pak boong, kang kong, and swamp cabbage. In Bengal, it is known as kalmi saag.

Cooking it as a side dish requires some skill to get that wonderfully sweet and crunchy texture. Here’s a recipe to help you make it to perfection.

This Southeast Asian staple green is high in flavour and nutrients. Recipe and photo by Sachiko Seth, head chef at Blue Poppy Thakkali in Kolkata

Southeast Asian Style Stir-Fried Morning Glory Recipe

Quick Info
Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 5 min
Total Time 10 min
Servings 3
Difficulty easy
Ingredients
  • Morning Glory - 500 g
  • Garlic (smashed) - 24 g
  • Dry red chillies (whole) - 2 piece
  • Salt - 1 tsp
  • Oil (sesame or groundnut) - 15 ml
Instructions
Step-1
Pour the oil into the wok and heat it.
Step-2
Once the oil is heated and ready, put the garlic and red chillies in and stir.
Step-3
Add the greens and stir.
Step-4
As soon as the leaves touch the hot oil, they should wilt.
Step-5
Just toss it around for two minutes and add salt and pepper just after turning the stove off.
Step-6
Give it a final stir and plate it to serve.
Step-7
Pro tip: Adding salt beforehand will make the greens water, and they will lose their crunchy bite.
Recipe
Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 5 min
Total Time 10 min
Servings 3
Difficulty easy
Ingredients
  • Morning Glory - 500 g
  • Garlic (smashed) - 24 g
  • Dry red chillies (whole) - 2 piece
  • Salt - 1 tsp
  • Oil (sesame or groundnut) - 15 ml
Instructions
Step-1
Pour the oil into the wok and heat it.
Step-2
Once the oil is heated and ready, put the garlic and red chillies in and stir.
Step-3
Add the greens and stir.
Step-4
As soon as the leaves touch the hot oil, they should wilt.
Step-5
Just toss it around for two minutes and add salt and pepper just after turning the stove off.
Step-6
Give it a final stir and plate it to serve.
Step-7
Pro tip: Adding salt beforehand will make the greens water, and they will lose their crunchy bite.
Note:
  • Double the ingredients when cooking for more people to ensure everyone gets a fluffy stack.
  • Swap out eggs for mashed bananas, yogurt, or flaxseed mix if you're vegetarian or allergic to eggs.
  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra soft and airy pancakes.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
  • Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delicious and healthy twist.
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