How to Make Thai Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Pad Pak Boong) at Home

• What is Pad Pak Boong?
• Ingredients for Pad Pak Boong
• How to Make Pad Pak Boong at Home
• Tips for Perfect Pad Pak Boong

1. What is Pad Pak Boong?

Pad Pak Boong, also known as Thai stir-fried morning glory, is a popular dish in Thailand made with water spinach (also called morning glory), garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce. This vibrant and flavorful dish is known for its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s commonly served as a side dish or as part of a larger Thai meal alongside rice or other stir-fried dishes.

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The History Behind Pad Pak Boong

Pad Pak Boong is a classic Thai comfort food, found in almost every Thai restaurant and street food stall. Morning glory is a versatile green that grows easily in tropical climates and is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. In Thailand, this dish is a staple due to the abundance of fresh morning glory, making it both delicious and accessible.

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2. Ingredients for Pad Pak Boong

To make Pad Pak Boong at home, you'll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you need:

Essential Ingredients

• Morning Glory (Water Spinach): This is the star ingredient. Fresh morning glory is widely available in Asian markets or specialty grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or bok choy, though the flavor may differ.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is crucial for building the dish's base flavor. It provides the aromatic foundation for the stir-fry.
• Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: These small, fiery chilies bring the signature heat of Thai cuisine to the dish. You can adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice tolerance.
• Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory sauce adds umami to the dish. It’s a key ingredient in many Thai stir-fries, providing depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce contributes a salty, savory balance to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a must in authentic Thai cooking, adding a distinct saltiness and rich flavor to Pad Pak Boong.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the saltiness of the sauces and enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need a neutral vegetable oil for stir-frying the ingredients. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can use peanut oil.

3. How to Make Pad Pak Boong at Home

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare your Pad Pak Boong. The recipe is simple and can be ready in just 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and easy way to enjoy authentic Thai food at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Morning Glory: Rinse the morning glory thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Cut the stems into 2-3 inch lengths. If you're using spinach or bok choy as a substitute, make sure to chop them into manageable pieces.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Chilies: Once the oil is hot, add 3-4 minced garlic cloves and 2-3 chopped bird’s eye chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Morning Glory: Add the morning glory (or substitute greens) to the pan. Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt slightly but still retain their vibrant color.
5. Season the Dish: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together, ensuring the greens are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
6. Stir-Fry Until Tender: Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the morning glory is fully cooked and tender but still crisp. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more sugar or fish sauce depending on your preference.
7. Serve: Transfer the stir-fried morning glory to a plate, and it’s ready to serve! Pair it with jasmine rice and your favorite Thai main dishes for a complete meal.

4. Tips for Perfect Pad Pak Boong

To ensure your Pad Pak Boong turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

1. Use Fresh Morning Glory

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh morning glory. Look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting or yellowing. Fresh greens make a huge difference in the final dish.

2. Adjust Spice Levels

If you're not a fan of spice, you can adjust the amount of chilies used. You can even remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce their heat. Alternatively, you can skip the chilies altogether if you prefer a milder version of the dish.

3. Customize the Sauce

The sauce in Pad Pak Boong is key to its delicious flavor. Feel free to experiment with the balance of fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to suit your taste. Some people prefer a sweeter dish, while others like more saltiness or a stronger umami flavor.

4. Serve with Rice or Noodles

Pad Pak Boong is traditionally served with jasmine rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or enjoy it on its own as a healthy side dish. The dish works well with grilled meats or seafood for a full Thai-inspired meal.

Making Pad Pak Boong at home is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy Thai flavors in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little practice, you’ll be able to create this delicious dish in no time. For more Thai recipes, ingredients, and cooking tips, visit Thai Food for the best products and services to help you create authentic Thai dishes at home.