Morning Glory Recipe – Stir-Fried Water Spinach, Asian Style
Aromatic garlic, chili, and hot sesame oil fill the air — whether in the open kitchen of our Fusion Restaurant in Berlin or in the bustling street food stalls of Asia. Especially appreciated in Thai cuisine (where it’s known as Pak Boong ), water spinach is also used in Japanese kitchens under names like Asagaona or Kushinsai .
This green vegetable is a favorite thanks to its quick preparation, versatility, and aromatic flavor. Our Morning Glory recipe brings the vibrant taste of East Asia directly into your pan — spicy, savory, and delightfully tender. Whether served with rice, chicken, or as a vegetarian dish with tofu — Morning Glory works perfectly as both a main course or a flavorful side dish.
What Is Water Spinach? Origins, Appearance & Taste
What exactly is water spinach, and what makes it so special? Botanically known as Ipomoea aquatica , water spinach is a tropical leafy green that has been cultivated across Asia for centuries. Also called Morning Glory , Pak Boong , or Asagaona , this plant thrives in humid, marshy environments. Its long, hollow stems and delicate, lance-shaped leaves make it easily recognizable.
Morning Glory in 5 Easy Steps
Ingredients for 4 Servings:
- 750 g fresh water spinach (Morning Glory)
- 60 g spring onions
- 35 g soy sauce
- 25 g mirin (rice wine)
- 15 g gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 30 g roasted sesame seeds
- 15 g sesame oil
Ingredients for 4 Servings:
- 750 g fresh water spinach (Morning Glory)
- 60 g spring onions
- 35 g soy sauce
- 25 g mirin (rice wine)
- 15 g gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 30 g roasted sesame seeds
- 15 g sesame oil
1. Prep & Blanch the Water Spinach
- 750 g fresh water spinach (Morning Glory)
- 60 g spring onions
- 35 g soy sauce
- 25 g mirin (rice wine)
- 15 g gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 30 g roasted sesame seeds
- 15 g sesame oil
2. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, gochugaru, and roasted sesame seeds.
- Taste and adjust – the sauce should balance salty, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors.
3. Sauté the Spring Onions
- Cut the spring onions into large pieces.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan or wok.
- Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes over medium heat until soft and aromatic.
4. Stir-Fry the Morning Glory
- Add the blanched water spinach to the pan.
- Stir-fry on high heat for 2–3 minutes.
- This step adds the typical wok flavor known as wok hei .
5. Add Sauce & Serve
- Pour the sauce over the spinach.
- Mix well, remove from heat, and serve hot.
Ingredient Tips for Authentic Flavor
For the best Morning Glory dish, ingredient quality is key. Freshness and authenticity are essential for achieving the full taste of this simple yet flavorful Asian vegetable dish:
- 1. Water Spinach / Morning Glory: Look for firm stems and vibrant green leaves — avoid yellowing. Usually sold refrigerated in Asian markets.
- 2. Soy Sauce: Use naturally brewed, dark soy sauce for depth. Light soy is milder and saltier.
- 3. Mirin: Adds sweetness and umami. Alternatively, combine a touch of sugar with rice vinegar.
- 4. Gochugaru: Mild to moderately spicy with a smoky note — ideal for subtle heat.
- 5. Sesame Oil: Only use toasted sesame oil — it gives the dish its signature flavor.
Is Water Spinach Healthy?
Water spinach isn’t just delicious — it’s a true superfood. Whether stir-fried or steamed, it’s rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, calcium, and iron, making it a powerhouse vegetable, especially in vegetarian or vegan diets. Its fiber supports digestion, while the low calorie content makes it ideal for light, healthy meals. Quick cooking methods like stir-frying help preserve these valuable nutrients.
Water spinach is also naturally alkaline, which contributes to its popularity in modern health-conscious diets. Our Morning Glory recipe is a perfect foundation for adding this healthy, flavorful green to your kitchen.
Serving Suggestions – Creative Pairings for Asian Water Spinach
Water spinach’s versatility makes it the perfect partner for many Asian dishes. Whether you serve this Morning Glory recipe as a main course or a side, these combinations will elevate your plate:
- 1. As a vegetarian main with steamed jasmine rice, sticky rice, or rice noodles
- 2. As a side to grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or pan-seared fish
- 3. Topped with crushed peanuts or fried garlic for extra crunch
- 4. Finished with a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of sambal oelek for brightness and spice
Thai Street Food at Home – A Dish with a Story
Stir-fried water spinach is a street food staple across Asia. In Japan too, Morning Glory appears in everyday meals. It’s affordable, fast to cook, and loved by both locals and travelers. Once just a side, it’s now a respected standalone dish — served everywhere from humble street stalls to fine dining restaurants with Michelin ambitions.
Morning Glory – A Simple, Healthy & Flavorful Dish
Our Morning Glory recipe invites you to explore the richness of Japanese cuisine — easy, healthy, and full of bold flavors. Whether it’s a quick dinner, elegant side dish, or vegetarian main, stir-fried water spinach brings color, aroma, and texture to the table. If you’re interested in Asian cooking, this dish is a must.
Or skip the cooking — and let us serve you: At Dae Mon’s Asian Fine Dining restaurant, refined dishes from Japanese, Korean, and European cuisine await you in a stylish setting. As a dedicated tea restaurant and wine restaurant , we pair your meal with exceptional drinks — for a flavor experience to remember.