Description
This easy garlic bok choy recipe highlights the crisp and tender qualities of baby bok choy, bringing out its natural mild and slightly peppery flavor. Quick to prepare, it uses minimal ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a healthy and delicious stir-fried side dish perfect for any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound baby bok choy, halved lengthwise or chopped
Aromatics & Sauces
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add bok choy: Toss in the baby bok choy, stirring to coat the greens and stems with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Cook bok choy: Stir-fry the bok choy for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the leafy greens are wilted and the stems become tender-crisp.
- Season: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce and, if using, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick of heat. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Remove from heat, taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, steam or blanch the bok choy before stir-frying.
- Add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for richer flavor.
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, noodles, or grilled proteins.
