Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng
Cuisine: Thai Type: Entree AKA: Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Chili

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Morning Glory
1 bunch (300)
Garlic
3 cloves (15)
Thai Chili
3 pieces (6)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (15)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Totals
14 oz
(398 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Morning Glory
40
Chili
10
Garlic
5
Oyster Sauce
15
Fish Sauce
10
Sugar
5
Vegetable Oil
20
Totals
105 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Wash and clean the morning glory thoroughly. Remove any tough stems or leaves, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a wok or large frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and chili peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the morning glory to the wok and stir-fry quickly to coat it evenly with the garlic and chili mixture.
Step 5: Season with a splash of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir-fry for another minute or until the morning glory is slightly wilted but still crunchy.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar if desired.
Step 7: Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fried morning glory to a serving dish.
Step 8: Garnish with a sprinkle of fried shallots or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Step 9: Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice or as part of a Thai meal.
Note: Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to retain its crispness.
Substitutions
Substitute Ingredients for Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng (Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Chili):
1. Morning Glory (Water Spinach): Substitute with spinach or kale. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. Thai Chili: Substitute with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Use according to personal preference for spice level.
3. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon for each clove of garlic.
4. Oyster Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or hoisin sauce. Adjust the quantity according to taste.
5. Fish Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
6. Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
7. Vegetable Oil: Substitute with any neutral oil such as canola or sunflower oil. Use the same quantity for stir-frying.
Please note that these substitutions may alter the flavor and overall taste of the dish. Adjustments may be required based on personal preference.
Pairings
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Grilled chicken or pork
- Tom Yum soup
- Thai green curry
- Fried fish with sweet and sour sauce
- Papaya salad (Som Tam)
- Thai-style omelette (Kai Jeow)
- Sticky rice with mango
- Thai iced tea
- Singha beer
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Add a vibrant pop of color by garnishing with thinly sliced red chili peppers or fresh cilantro leaves.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of fish sauce or a drizzle of oyster sauce during the stir-frying process.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten up the dish and balance the flavors.
- For an extra kick, incorporate finely minced garlic or ginger while stir-frying.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute the regular vegetable oil with fragrant sesame oil for a more elevated taste.
- Upgrade the protein element by adding succulent shrimp or thinly sliced tender beef to the stir-fry.
- For a touch of indulgence, incorporate crispy bacon bits or thinly sliced prosciutto for a smoky and savory twist.
Diet Restrictions
1. Reduce oil: Use less oil or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil to reduce overall fat content.
2. Decrease sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to lower sodium levels.
3. Control spice level: Adjust the amount of chili used to accommodate personal preferences for spice tolerance.
4. Add protein: Include lean protein sources like tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make the dish more satisfying and balanced.
5. Increase vegetables: Add more non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to increase fiber and nutrient content.
6. Use whole grain rice: Serve the stir-fry with brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
7. Customize seasonings: Substitute or reduce condiments like fish sauce or oyster sauce based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
8. Garnish with herbs: Top the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor and nutrients.
9. Limit added sugars: Avoid using sweeteners or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to maintain a healthier balance.
10. Opt for organic ingredients: If possible, choose organic vegetables and protein sources to minimize exposure to pesticides and additives.
Healthy Choices
- Use a non-stick pan with minimal oil or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as morning glory, to boost the nutritional value.
- Add other colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrients and variety.
- Reduce the amount of chili used or use milder chili varieties to decrease the spiciness if desired.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Consider adding lean protein sources like tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make it a more balanced meal.
- Include garlic and ginger for added flavor and potential health benefits.
- Avoid overcooking the vegetables to retain their nutrients and crunchiness.
- Serve with brown rice or whole-grain noodles for added fiber and nutrients.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-washed and trimmed morning glory to save time on cleaning and preparation.
2. Substitute fresh chili with chili flakes or chili paste for quicker and easier seasoning.
3. Opt for vegetable oil instead of traditional Thai cooking oils to save money without compromising flavor.
4. Skip the step of blanching the morning glory by stir-frying it directly for a faster cooking process.
5. Replace shrimp or meat with tofu or tempeh to reduce cost while still adding protein.
6. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce as a more affordable alternative without sacrificing taste.
7. Prepare a larger batch and store leftovers for future meals, saving time and effort on multiple cooking sessions.
8. Utilize a non-stick pan or wok to reduce the need for excessive oil and make cleaning up quicker.
9. Experiment with different herbs and spices already available in your pantry to customize the dish without additional expenses.
10. Purchase ingredients in bulk or from local markets to get better deals and fresher produce, ultimately saving money in the long run.