Garlic Bok Choy: A Flavorful Side Dish

10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe - How to cook bok choy

Crisp, fresh, and bursting with loads of unexpected flavor, this Garlic Bok Choy Recipe is guaranteed to be your new favorite side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, enjoy this easy vegetarian side dish with chicken, beef, or fish.

Stir-fried Garlic baby bok choy in a wok with shallots and soy sauce.

Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. This Garlic Bok Choy Recipe- totally simple, easy, and delicious– is made with just a handful of ingredients including ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, all you need is a hot skillet and a spatula.

Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. This Garlic Bok Choy Recipe- totally simple, easy, and delicious– is made with just a handful of ingredients including ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, all you need is a hot skillet and a spatula.

 

What is Bok Choy (Pak Choy)

Bok choy, also known as pak choy or pok choi, is a type of Chinese cabbage, that has smooth, wide, flat leaf blades at one end with the other end forming a cluster similar to that of celery. May be eaten cooked or raw.

What is the between Bok Choy and Baby Bok Choy?

Since several of you have asked, I did a little research and this is what I have found.

  • They are basically the same.
  • The difference is that baby bok choy is harvested earlier producing smaller, more tender leaves.
  • This means that baby bok choy is much sweeter than and is often served directly in soup or in salads.
  • Bok choy, on the other hand, is much heartier, perfect for longer cooking times as in stir-frys.

Bok Choy Nutrition

Bok Choy is high in nutrients and low in carbohydrates. As such, it is an excellent option when trying to eat more healthy, low-calorie foods.

  • 1 cup raw bok choy- 1.5 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 9 calories

High in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, this wildly popular green is also an excellent source of folate, calcium, and vitamin B6. It is also considered both a cruciferous vegetable and a leafy green vegetable.

Raw baby bok choy in an old antique tin strainer.

Ingredients in this Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

  • oil
  • garlic
  • shallots
  • baby bok choy
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • crushed red pepper (optional)

If you prefer a more mild vegetable side dish, I recommend skipping the crushed red pepper. In my experience, even with jarred, store-bought crushed red pepper, the heat level can be somewhat unpredictable, so unless you love a little extra heat, leave it out.

Other fantastic additions would include crushed ginger, a splash of fish sauce, or a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Baby bok choy halved lengthwise through the center.

How to cook bok choy

  1. We want to keep our baby bok choy somewhat intact, so the first thing we want to do is either halve or quarter each stalk (depending on the size of the bok choy) and wash under cold running water.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil. Swirl to coat the entire surface of the pan. As soon as the oil is hot, add the garlic and the shallots, and sautè for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  3. Add the bok choy, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss and cover. Cook for approximately 2 minutes before uncovering, tossing, and covering. Continue to cook the bok choy until white parts reach desired doneness (I have found that this varies from person to person as some people prefer crunchier bok choy, while others prefer a more well-done stir-fry).
  4. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if using, and drizzle with additional sesame oil, if desired.

What to serve with bok choy

Aside from how easy this recipe is to make, one of my favorite parts about it is that it goes with just about everything!

  • Add some shrimp for a low carb, high protein meal.
  • Serve with your favorite chicken or steak and a side of rice.
  • Add onions, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli for a veggie-packed stir-fry the whole family will love.
  • Toss with ramen and drizzle with chili sauce for a meal guaranteed to taste better than take-out.

What to serve with bok choy

Aside from how easy this recipe is to make, one of my favorite parts about it is that it goes with just about everything!

  • Add some shrimp for a low carb, high protein meal.
  • Serve with your favorite chicken or steak and a side of rice.
  • Add onions, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli for a veggie-packed stir-fry the whole family will love.
  • Toss with ramen and drizzle with chili sauce for a meal guaranteed to taste better than take-out.

Baby bok choy being cooked in a wok with garlic and shallots.



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