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.
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.
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.
How to cook bok choy
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
If you try making this 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
For more bok choy recipes check out,
- Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy (Bok Choy Soup) <— reader favorite!
- Easy Sheet Pan Thai Chicken with Bok Choy
- Sweet Chili Tofu with Coconut Rice and Bok Choy
- Spicy Stir Fried Tofu with Bok Choy
- Udon Noodle Soup with Bok Choy and Poached Egg
For more Asian-inspired recipes check out,
- Easy Korean Beef Bibimbap Recipe (Mixed Rice)
- Easy Thai Fried Rice Recipe (Khao Phat Kaphrao)
- Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Pho Recipe- How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Soup
- Kimchi Ramen Noodle Soup (30 minutes)
RECIPE CARD
10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 large shallots - minced
- 2 pounds baby bok choy - halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper - optional
Instructions
- Add the oil to a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat the entire surface of the pan. Add the garlic and shallots, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the bok choy, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to coat and cover. Cook for 1-2 minutes, uncover and toss, and then cover and continue to cook until bok choy is cooked to desired doneness (approximately 3-5 minutes more).
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Jessica's Notes
- You may use bok choy or baby bok choy for this recipe. If you use bok choy, I recommend chopping into smaller pieces to expedite cooking time.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free Tamari.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Joyce Fry says
I had some left over bok choy and was looking for something quick and easy. Found yours and made it that night. It was very delicious and yes it was quick. Thank you for sharing your recipes.
Dee says
Awesome and very easy recipe.
KAROLYN FARMER says
quick and easy, I make it all the time. It’s a 5-star recipe.
EF says
Loved this as a side. We enjoyed it with Scottish Salmon and fresh sweet corn.
Sara says
I made this with my Chinese roommate who grew up working in his family’s Chinese restaurants
– it was good and I was surprised as I don’t usually like vegetables that much
Thank you
Allysa says
So easy, fast and yummy!!
S says
Delicious! I separated the “stems” from the greens and cooked the stems a little bit first. I also tried it with spicy chili crisp and it was really good. Will love to try it with ginger next time.
Paul says
Terrific! Never had Bok Choy before. I added some fresh ginger as mentioned.
Jessica Randhawa says
Thanks for the terrific feedback, Paul 🙂
bert says
You mentioned ginger in the article “…including ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.” But ginger is not mentioned in recipe
Jessica Randhawa says
Yes, Bert, ginger is not in the official recipe, but is mentioned several times in the article as a possible addition – which depends on your taste preferences 🙂 . One example of a mention is:
“Other fantastic additions would include crushed ginger, a splash of fish sauce, or a sweet chili dipping sauce.”
Milly says
Loved this super quick and healthy recipe for haddock! I will go easy on the cayenne pepper next time as I know a little goes a long way. This was seriously great and will become part of the dinner roster. Thanks so much!
Milly says
Sorry-was replying to a haddock recipe but loved this too!! Was a great side with the haddock 🙂
Jessica Randhawa says
No worries, I am glad you enjoyed it! 😀
Daniel Berke says
Delicious, even though I forgot the soy sauce. Luckily pouring some on top afterwards worked pretty well. Been growing bok choy for the first time the past few months and this was my first introduction to cooking it. Thanks!
Granna65 says
Delicious! Easy! Added minced ginger with aromatics, served over udon noodles and smoked chicken (leftover), and garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. By prepping all the veggies first, this stellar Asian-inspired dish came together quickly.
Thanks, Jessica!
Pauline Zaros says
Throwing this in to my regular routine of vegetables – it was so good and the whole family liked it. I sprinkled mine with a good dose of sesame seeds and served with Asian rice noodles.
Diane says
Do you recommend toasted sesame oil or the I toasted type? Thank you.
Jessica Randhawa says
You can use either – that’s more of a personal preference 🙂
Gary says
Just made this using Bok Choy. Per your suggestion, I added ginger and fish sauce and finished with some chopped peanuts. Good lord it was tasty. Great recipe and super easy!
Jay says
Easy and tasty! Went super well with white rice. Will make this often!