Fitness / August 8, 2023

Easy Bok Choy Recipe (10 mins!)

Get a taste of Asian cuisine within 10 minutes with this easy Bok Choy recipe – an aromatic blend of heavenly bok choy, savory soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.

Table of Contents

Toggle

You may not know it but you — yes, you! — are 10 quick minutes away from a plate full of rainbow goodness that tastes as fabulous as it looks. We’re talking Bok Choy! Those pretty green leaves and their crunchy stems will soon be all simmered in low-sodium soy sauce and sprinkled with nutty sesame seeds – now we’re talking my kind of green!

Anyone here already a fan of my Asian Miso Steak Sheet Pan Dinner (which includes bok choy) or my Asian Chicken recipe (with Bok Choy)? Awesome! Well, this recipe isolates the bok choy so you can add it to any number of your own dishes. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.

Is Bok Choy Healthy?

Bok Choy is jam-packed with healthy elements that your body needs and craves, like vitamins A, C, and K. Plus, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse. And you may have noticed I mention LOW-SODIUM soy sauce. That’s right. It’s like flavor without the guilty sodium hit.

INGREDIENTS

This recipe is scalable, so if you need to do up more bok choy, just adjust the sauce and toppings accordingly.

4 bok choy
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 dried chilies
1 tsp white sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Rinse

Place the Bok Choy in a colander and rinse with cold water, removing any grit from between the leaves. Pat dry with a kitchen towel and cut each Bok Choy in half lengthwise.

Stir-Fry

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH. Stir-fry the garlic slices and dried chilies for about 30 minutes until fragrant.

Cook

Add the Bok Choy in a single layer cut-side down and cook until the bottoms start to brown, about 2 minutes.

Flip

Flip the Bok Choy over and cook until the stalks begin to soften, about 2 additional minutes. Reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW and add the soy sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 1 minute.

Garnish

Transfer to a platter and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks For Making The Perfect Bok Choy

Cleanliness is next to godliness! Wash the bok choy thoroughly under cold water, paying strict attention to the base where dirt can easily get trapped.
The heat of the chilies resides in the seeds. How many seeds you should include depends on how spicy you want the dish to be.
The sesame oil is non-negotiable! It infuses the dish with a beautiful flavor and aroma that olive or vegetable oil simply cannot match.
Pay attention to the heat. This recipe calls for medium-high heat initially and then reducing to medium-low. Controlling the heat allows the bok choy to cook evenly without burning.
The bok choy should retain a slight crunch. Keep an eye on your timer, and resist the urge to overcook. Remember – less is often more!

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that additional seasonings are also gluten-free.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, Bok Choy with soy sauce is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. All ingredients used in this recipe are plant based and free of animal-derived ingredients.

I’m out of soy sauce! What can I use instead for this recipe?

No worries, you can totally jazz it up with some alternatives! Something like tamari (bonus points for being gluten-free), liquid aminos, or hey, even a pinch of good old salt can rock this dish.

Any tricks to whip up this thing faster?

This recipe’s already super quick – promise! But hey, if you wanna turbocharge your kitchen game, just grab some pre-cut or pre-washed bok choy from your supermarket.

Can I change up this recipe a bit? What are some recommended variations?

That’s the beauty of this dish – it’s all about playing! Wanna pack in some protein? Stir-fry some tofu or shrimp before you throw in the bok choy. Need a citrusy zing? A splash of lime juice or a dash of zest never hurt anyone. Have fun and make it your own.

This dish is looking good! Can it be my main or is it just a side?

Traditionally, this baby’s a side dish in Asian cuisine. But who’s stopping you from making it the star role? Pair it with some steamed rice or noodles and voila – you’ve got yourself a delish main dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Bok Choy shines bright when served as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. Alternatively, it pairs beautifully with fluffy, steamed rice or soba noodles for a light, wholesome, and deeply satisfying vegetarian meal.

how To Prep and Store Bok Choy

I get that you want to do as much work beforehand as possible but seriously, this dish is already quick and easy. Plus, Bok Choy shines brightest when it’s fresh. So I urge you to make extra time just before serving. Got some leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and chill them in the fridge. They should last for a day or 2. To reheat, opt for a medium warmth on the stovetop; that should retain the crunch you know and love.