Pad Phak Boong


 Cuisine: Thai  Type: Entree  AKA: Stir-Fried Morning Glory

Pad Phak Boong | Stir-Fried Morning Glory : Entree in Thai cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Morning Glory
2 bunch (400)
Garlic
3 cloves (15)
Bird's Eye Chili
5 pieces (2)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (15)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
 Totals
17 oz (494 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Morning Glory
50
Garlic
10
Soy Sauce
15
Oyster Sauce
20
Vegetable Oil
40
Chili Peppers
5
Fish Sauce
10
Sugar
5
 Totals
155 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Wash the morning glory thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim off the tough ends of the stems and discard.

Step 2: Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add oil and swirl it around to coat the surface of the pan.

Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sliced shallots to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the morning glory to the pan and stir-fry continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the leaves wilt and the stems become tender. Be careful not to overcook them.

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.

Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture over the stir-fried morning glory and toss everything together to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the morning glory is cooked through.

Step 7: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar according to your preference.

Step 8: Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the stir-fried morning glory to a serving plate.

Step 9: Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of white pepper or red chili flakes for added heat.

Step 10: Serve the Pad Phak Boong hot as a side dish or as a main course with steamed rice or noodles.

Note: Pad Phak Boong can be customized by adding other ingredients such as sliced chili peppers, mushrooms, or protein like shrimp or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all ingredients are cooked through.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Pad Phak Boong (Stir-Fried Morning Glory) in Thai cuisine:

1. Morning Glory: Substitute with spinach or kale. Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
2. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
3. Thai Chili: Substitute with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness.
4. Oyster Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar. Use equal parts soy sauce and sugar to replace the oyster sauce.
5. Fish Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari. Use the same quantity as stated in the original recipe.
6. Oil for Stir-Frying: Substitute with any neutral-flavored cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
7. Sugar: Substitute with honey or brown sugar. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of sweetness.
8. Salt: No substitute needed. Adjust the quantity to taste.
9. Water: No substitute needed. Adjust the quantity as required for desired consistency.
10. Optional: Add sliced onions or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.

Please note that these substitutions may alter the taste and texture slightly, but they should still result in a delicious stir-fried dish. Adjust seasonings according to your personal preference.

 Pairings 


- Jasmine rice
- Thai red curry
- Tom Yum soup
- Grilled chicken satay
- Steamed fish with lime and chili sauce
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai iced tea
- Singha beer
- Coconut water

 Upgrades 


Enhancements for Pad Phak Boong (Stir-Fried Morning Glory):

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve the dish in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for a unique and tropical presentation.

2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of sliced shiitake mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor and provide a meaty texture.
- Incorporate a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a drizzle of tangy tamarind sauce to brighten the flavors.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular vegetable oil with fragrant sesame oil to add a rich and nutty aroma.
- Enhance the dish with a few drops of truffle oil for an indulgent and earthy flavor.

Remember to adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly to maintain the balance and authenticity of the dish. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!

 Diet Restrictions 


1. For gluten-free diets: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
2. For vegetarian/vegan diets: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and omit any meat or seafood ingredients. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.
3. For low-carb/keto diets: Reduce or omit the use of sugar in the sauce. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
4. For dairy-free diets: Skip adding any dairy-based ingredients such as butter or cream. Use coconut oil or olive oil instead.
5. For low-sodium diets: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and reduce the amount of salt added during cooking.
6. For nut-free diets: Avoid using peanuts or peanut oil as garnish. Substitute with sesame seeds or sunflower seeds if desired.
7. For spicy food preferences: Increase the amount of chili peppers or add chili flakes to enhance the spiciness.
8. For paleo diets: Skip using soy sauce and sugar. Instead, use coconut aminos or fish sauce, and sweeten with natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
9. For those with garlic/onion intolerance: Omit or reduce the amount of garlic and onion used in the recipe. Enhance the flavor with herbs like basil or cilantro.
10. For those with cilantro aversion: Replace cilantro with parsley or Thai basil for a different herb flavor.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Use a healthier cooking oil: Instead of using vegetable or canola oil, opt for a heart-healthy oil like olive oil or coconut oil.

2. Reduce the amount of oil: Use less oil for stir-frying by using a non-stick pan or adding small amounts of oil at a time.

3. Increase vegetable quantity: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional content of the dish.

4. Use lean protein: Replace fatty meats with lean protein sources like chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp.

5. Limit sodium: Reduce the amount of soy sauce or fish sauce used in the recipe to lower the sodium content. Opt for low-sodium versions if available.

6. Add herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor by using fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint, along with spices like ginger or garlic.

7. Steam or blanch the vegetables: Instead of stir-frying the vegetables for a long time, steam or blanch them briefly to retain more nutrients.

8. Include whole grains: Serve the Pad Phak Boong with brown rice or quinoa to add fiber and make it a more balanced meal.

9. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of the amount you consume to avoid overeating. Serve smaller portions and pair the dish with a side of salad or soup.

10. Minimize added sugars: If using sweet sauces or condiments, choose reduced-sugar options or try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup sparingly.

Remember, these adjustments will help make your Pad Phak Boong healthier, but it's essential to maintain a balance and enjoy it in moderation.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-washed and pre-cut morning glory to save time on cleaning and chopping.
2. Substitute morning glory with a more easily available and affordable green vegetable like spinach or kale.
3. Use a pre-made Thai stir-fry sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
4. Opt for vegetable oil instead of traditional Thai ingredients like shrimp paste or fish sauce to reduce costs.
5. Cook the dish in larger batches and store leftovers for future meals to save time and money.
6. Skip the step of blanching the morning glory and directly stir-fry it for a quicker cooking process.
7. Use a non-stick pan or wok to minimize the need for excessive oil and make cleaning easier.
8. Experiment with adding other affordable ingredients like tofu or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and make the dish more filling.
9. Purchase Thai spices and seasonings in bulk to save money in the long run.
10. Consider growing your own morning glory or other green vegetables to reduce costs and ensure freshness.