Savory Sautéed Bok Choy: A Simple and Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of fresh bok choy
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of water
1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Clean the bok choy by rinsing it under cold water. Chop off the bottom end of the stalk and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it until it becomes fragrant.
Add the bok choy to the pan and stir-fry it for about 3 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and the stalks are crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the sauce over the bok choy in the pan and toss to combine. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, until the sauce is heated through.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and then remove from heat.
Serve the bok choy immediately, while it is still hot.

Tools for making

Wok or Frying Pan - A large wok or frying pan is needed to stir-fry the bok choy.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary to chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the bok choy.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients.
Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs are useful for stirring and tossing the bok choy while cooking.

Recipe variations

Add sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry for an earthy flavor.
Include thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
Add a protein of your choice, such as thinly sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, to make it a complete meal.
For a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some sriracha sauce.
Drizzle sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty aroma.
For a sweeter taste, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce mixture.
Experiment with different seasonings like ginger, lemongrass, or Chinese five-spice powder to add unique flavors.

Recipe overview

Discover the delightful simplicity of stir-fried Bok Choy, a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that's common in Asian cuisine. This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With a flavorful combination of savory sauces, garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, this dish is not short on flavor. The bok choy itself is cooked until just wilted, with the stalks remaining crisp-tender for a satisfying bite. Serve it as a side dish or incorporate it into your main meal for an easy, healthy addition. Enjoy the tender leaves and crunchy stalks of bok choy stir-fried to perfection in under 15 minutes.

Common questions

Can I use baby bok choy instead of regular bok choy? Yes, you can use baby bok choy for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as baby bok choy tends to cook faster.
Is it possible to substitute the oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe? Absolutely! Bok choy pairs well with various vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots. You can also add proteins like tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp to make it a more substantial dish.
How spicy is this recipe with the crushed red pepper flakes? The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild level of spice. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy bok choy immediately after cooking, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry them when you're ready to serve. This ensures the dish retains its freshness and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok or Frying Pan - A large wok or frying pan is essential for stir-frying the bok choy.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed to chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting the bok choy.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is used to mix the sauce ingredients.
Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs can be used to stir-fry and toss the bok choy in the pan.

Origin stories

Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, has been a staple in Chinese cooking for over 5,000 years. It is believed to have originated in the Yangtze River Delta region, but it quickly spread throughout the rest of the country due to its adaptability to a variety of climates. In ancient times, bok choy was highly prized for its medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believed that it could promote a healthy spleen, stomach, liver, and lung function. Today, bok choy is savored not just for its health benefits, but for its sweet, mild flavor and crunchy texture, which add a delightful nuance to many dishes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.