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 shallots, 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.)
Can I use frozen bok choy from my garden?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen bok choy from your garden for your stir fry! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water to avoid making your stir fry too watery. You might also want to give it a quick pat dry with a paper towel before adding it to your hot pan. This will help maintain a nice texture in your dish.
I’ve made this many times!! The best!
Thanks, Roonie 🙂
I have never had or cooked Bok Choy before – I like to try new vegetables. I added chopped cashews to it
Delish! It was our first time trying bok choy and I am glad to have found this recipe first! Will definitely make again, next time I may chop it up or steam for a bit after sautéing. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Jasmine 🙂
Got a meal kit with stir fry pork and rice recipe and…that’s it, plus seasonings. No sides. Ran into your recipe and it made for a great matching side. Quick and easy. Thanks!
This recipe was so helpful. I’ve been growing Bok choy and needed to understand the right cooking method. I didn’t have shallots and will seek them out next time I make this.
I made this and it was really good. I never knew how to cook bok choy but I love this way and it’s so tasty and healthy, I added shrimp to my stir-fry and it was excellent.
I love your excellent feedback, Suzette 🙂
Hi Jessica, I’ve been cooking this recipe for months now, as my wife and I really enjoy this recipe. I think next time we do this , I’ll try peanuts. Thank you so much, cheers Robin
I appreciate you coming back to let me know – thanks Robin 🙂
Perfect dish for Lion In/Out March winter weather!👍
Easy & delicious, thank you!
My grandkids love this! So easy
I had only some of the ingredients, no crushed red pepper or shallots. Surprisingly simple as I have never had Pak Choy, or bok choy either lol! I am a cook from many years gone by but keep my hand in new things. A small voice in my head said to grab a handful of plain peanuts and throw them in at the end. It was a good suggestion. Thank you for the recipes. I will try the ginger soup next!
I appreciate the comment and feedback, Josef. Peanuts sounds like they a great addition if craving it!
Sooooo delicious and easy to cook!
Thanks Angelica 🙂
Love this tasty bok choy recipe! If I remember to do the prep ahead of time it a super fast, healthy, and delicious dish. Could be a side or a main with some protein on the side.
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for this recipe! I’ve been searching for tasty recipes using vegetables high in anti inflammatory properties. This is perfect! I went gluten free/sugar free w the sweet chili sauce & it still tastes great! Your amazing! 😅
I appreciate your amazing feedback, Philip 😀