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.)
Been using this same recipe since my first try 5 years ago and have not changed it one bit. No red pepper. Cannot beat this!!!!
Thanks for the great feedback and for coming back year after year 😀
I just stumbled upon your website by accident, looking for a Pigs-In-A-Blanket recipe. I have checked out only a few of your recipes as my time is limited today but I really LOVE that you provide so much information on each recipe. Not only the nutritional values but interesting information on the ingredients as well. I will definitely be making this recipe and others from your site. Thank you and I’m looking forward to the exploration!
Welcome, Grace!
Thank you so much for the kind feedback 🙂
I love this simple,but delious recipe. It is quick and easy to prepare. I will be making this often.
Why no measured amounts?
Please see the Bok Choy recipe card above 🙂
My son and I really enjoyed it. We made Asian Chili Chicken as a main dish, the 🥬 bok choy, brown rice and jasmine tea. We were able to cook everything in less than 30 and came out delicious 😋 we always make sure to make a little extra for leftovers. We finished everything the same day.
Love the recipe. I made it already about 10 times and everyone says it tastes great.
Thank you
Great recipe, added mushrooms, asparagus and onions
So quick & easy to do as a side dish. Healthy too.
This Bok Choy Recipe is delicious and so easy to prepare! My teenage daughter and I followed the recipe exactly and then used Sweet Chili sauce for dipping. And strangely, we both noticed a little pep in energy after eating it. It does make sense with all those jam-packed vitamins and minerals. Thanks for sharing – we’ll make it a staple!
I run out of sesame oil. Can I use any other oil in place of it?
Sesame oil has a really unique flavor profile. You can substitute it with another oil like avocado, olive, or peanut, but it won’t be quite the same as sesame 🙂
Easy to make and tastes delicious! My family likes it! We omit the red pepper flakes because the kids don’t like spice and it works for us. Thanks for the great recipe!
This Bok Choy recipe is delicious and easy and I will make it again. I followed the directions but used less garlic (not my favorite taste) and took suggestions to add ginger and a splash of fish sauce. Since the Bok Choy has a lot of taste with garlic, ginger, shallot, red pepper flakes and fish sauce, I ate it with a simple quick beef stir fry that didn’t have any garlic or spiciness and rice. Yum.
Just made this tonight and everyone loved it! Easy recipe and delicious. Will definitely make this again.
Amazing! Cooked one bunch of bok Choy, which were the larger size for two. Chopped the whole bite stems and cooked first, then cut each leaf into 4 smaller pieces.
Paired with home made rissoles, which went so well together along with mashed potato with a dollop or sour cream and cream cheese. Partner was impressed with the bok Choy.
Mine were slightly browned up and delicious.
I could not believe that the grand-nephews (5,7 &9) devoured this dish (minus the red pepper). I served it with a garlic-heavy, honey, soy sauce, fresh ginger glazed baked chicken thighs (large).