Garlic Bok Choy: A Quick and Crispy Chinese Side Dish

Perfectly Sautéed Garlic Bok Choy

Discover the simple elegance of bok choy, a versatile Chinese leafy green that transforms into a delicious side dish with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. This nutritious vegetable delivers a satisfying crunch and mild flavor that complements virtually any Asian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

This simple bok choy recipe celebrates the natural goodness of this Chinese cabbage variety without overwhelming its delicate flavor. The crisp stems and tender leaves create a textural contrast that makes every bite interesting. Plus, with just 10 minutes of cooking time, it’s the perfect quick side dish for busy weeknights.

What Is Bok Choy?

Bok choy (also called pak choi) is a type of Chinese cabbage that doesn’t form a head like Western cabbage. Instead, it grows smooth, dark green leaf blades with thick, crisp white stalks arranged in a cluster. This leafy green is a staple in Chinese cooking and packed with vitamins A and C, plus calcium and fiber.

Ingredients for Perfect Bok Choy

• 1 pound fresh bok choy
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil, for finishing (optional)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

How to Prepare Bok Choy

1. Trim the bottom inch from the bok choy head to separate the stalks.
2. Thoroughly wash each stalk under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit hiding between the leaves.
3. If using large bok choy, cut each stalk lengthwise into halves or quarters. For baby bok choy, you can leave them whole.
4. Pat the bok choy dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Add minced garlic (and ginger if using) to the hot oil and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
7. Place the bok choy in the pan, cut side down if halved, and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop some caramelization.
8. Season with salt and pepper, then toss or stir to coat evenly.
9. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stalks are tender-crisp and the leaves are wilted.
10. If using, add soy sauce and toss to coat.
11. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired and garnish with sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bok Choy

• Don’t overcook: Bok choy should remain slightly crisp in the stems. Overcooking will make it mushy and release excess water.
• Dry thoroughly: Water droplets will cause oil to splatter, so make sure your bok choy is well-dried after washing.
• High heat is key: A hot pan will give you nice caramelization without overcooking the tender leaves.
• Baby bok choy option: For a more tender result, use baby bok choy instead of the larger variety.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pleasant heat that complements the greens.

Nutritional Benefits of Bok Choy

This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse with only 57 calories per serving. It provides:

• Vitamins A and C
• Calcium and iron
• Dietary fiber (2g per serving)
• Plant-based protein (3g per serving)
• Low carbohydrate content (4g per serving)

Serving Suggestions

This versatile bok choy side dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice and teriyaki salmon
• Stir-fried noodles with tofu
• Grilled chicken with ginger sauce
• Chinese-style roasted duck
• As part of a larger Chinese banquet or dim sum spread

Storage and Reheating

While bok choy is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to preserve some crispness, or add to soups and stir-fries where the softer texture won’t be an issue.

Why Bok Choy Should Be in Your Regular Rotation

This simple bok choy recipe proves that healthy vegetables don’t need elaborate preparation to taste amazing. With its quick cooking time, impressive nutritional profile, and delicate flavor, bok choy deserves a regular spot in your meal planning. Try this recipe tonight and discover why this Asian green has been beloved for centuries!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes