Crispy Fried Morning Glory: Simple Recipe, Crunchy Delight

Have you ever tried crispy fried morning glory? Not only is it an enticing snack, but it’s also a great choice for a drinking accompaniment or a side dish for family meals. With its distinctive flavor and simple preparation, crispy fried morning glory promises to satisfy every palate.

The Unique Origins of Crispy Fried Morning Glory

Crispy fried morning glory embodies the rustic charm of Vietnamese cuisine. Although its exact origins are unclear, this dish is considered a creative use of familiar ingredients from Vietnamese kitchens. Similar to Japan’s tempura or India’s Murukku, crispy fried morning glory quickly became a popular dish, appearing from home-cooked meals to street food stalls and restaurants.

In the past, the sight of street vendors selling golden, aromatic plates of crispy fried morning glory was a staple of many people’s childhoods. For just a few dollars, you could enjoy this “divine” dish with friends after school in the afternoon.

Crispy Fried Morning Glory on a Plate

Secrets to Choosing the Best Morning Glory for Frying

To achieve perfection with crispy fried morning glory, selecting the right morning glory is crucial. According to culinary expert Nguyen Thi Lan, you should choose morning glory with small, young stems and a vibrant green color. Older or overly large stems tend to become fibrous and tough when fried.

Additionally, Vietnamese morning glory (white morning glory) is usually crisper and sweeter than Chinese morning glory (green morning glory). When buying, inspect the roots carefully to avoid wilted or pest-infested produce. For the freshest morning glory, buy it early in the morning.

Preparing Ingredients and Necessary Tools

Ingredients:

• Young morning glory: 300-400g
• Frying batter: 150g
• Tapioca starch: 2 tablespoons
• Cold water: 150ml
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, sugar, MSG (to taste)
• Cooking oil: Enough for deep frying
• Chili sauce, mayonnaise, or sweet and sour fish sauce

Tools:

• Knife, cutting board
• Colander, strainer
• Large bowl
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Paper towels

Tip: Soaking morning glory in water with lemon or vinegar helps maintain its vibrant green color longer.

How to Make Crispy Fried Morning Glory Perfectly

Step 1: Preparing the Morning Glory

Wash the morning glory thoroughly, remove any damaged leaves, and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7cm). Soak the morning glory in lightly salted water for about 15 minutes to disinfect. To enhance crispiness, you can chill the morning glory in the refrigerator before frying.

Step 2: Preparing the Frying Batter

Mix the frying batter, tapioca starch, and cold water in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, sugar, and MSG according to your taste. Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow it to “hydrate,” which helps create a crisper coating when fried.

Step 3: Frying the Morning Glory

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan, then dip each piece of morning glory into the batter and fry over medium to high heat. Avoid frying too many pieces at once to prevent the oil from cooling down. Remove the morning glory and drain on paper towels once it turns golden brown.

Step 4: Enjoying the Dish

Arrange the crispy fried morning glory on a plate and garnish with cilantro or sliced chili peppers. This dish is best enjoyed with chili sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce. Savor it while it’s hot to experience the ultimate crunch.

Golden Crispy Fried Morning Glory

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Fried Morning Glory

• Use cold water when mixing the batter to make the dish crispier.
• Double-fry the morning glory if you want to maintain crispiness longer.
• Avoid frying too many pieces at once to prevent the oil from cooling down.
• Drain excess oil after frying to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Creative Variations of Crispy Fried Morning Glory

If you want to get creative, try these unique variations:

• Sesame-Coated Crispy Fried Morning Glory: Add toasted sesame seeds to the batter for extra flavor.
• Thai-Style Crispy Fried Morning Glory: Serve with a tangy and spicy Thai sauce.
• Crispy Fried Morning Glory with Salted Egg: Sprinkle crushed salted egg over the fried morning glory.

According to culinary expert Hoang Van Nam, using different types of batter, such as tempura batter, or experimenting with dipping sauces can elevate the dish.

Nutritional Value of Crispy Fried Morning Glory

Despite being fried, crispy fried morning glory is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber. However, due to its calorie and fat content from the oil, it should be consumed in moderation and balanced with a healthy diet.

Conclusion

With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can confidently prepare crispy fried morning glory at home. Share your culinary achievements with the food-loving community and continue exploring more exciting dishes on “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”. Wishing you success!