Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Crisp, tender bok choy quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic and a savory soy sauce glaze. A perfect, healthy side dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, bringing a taste of your favorite Chinese-American restaurant home.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 7 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Bok Choy and Sauce
- b.Wash the bok choy thoroughly under cold running water. Trim about 1/4 inch from the root end. Chop the bok choy, separating the firm white stems from the delicate green leaves. Cut stems into 1/2-inch pieces and roughly chop the leaves.
- c.Crucially, pat all the bok choy pieces completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This prevents steaming and ensures a proper stir-fry.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and white pepper (if using).
- e.In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Set both bowls aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Stems
- b.Place a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once it's very hot (a drop of water should evaporate instantly), add the avocado oil and swirl to coat.
- c.Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, moving them constantly to prevent burning.
- d.Immediately add the chopped bok choy stems to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until they become tender-crisp and slightly browned in spots.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Wilt the Leaves and Add Sauce
- b.Add the bok choy leaves to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the leaves have just wilted but are still vibrant green.
- c.Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the bok choy. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds to coat evenly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Finish
- b.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine it, then pour it into the center of the wok. Continue to stir constantly for 30-60 seconds as the sauce bubbles and thickens to a light glaze.
- c.Remove the wok from the heat. Drizzle with the toasted sesame oil and add the red pepper flakes (if using). Give it one final toss.
- d.Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1High heat is non-negotiable for a good stir-fry. Ensure your wok or pan is smoking hot before adding oil.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. If your wok isn't large enough, cook the bok choy in two batches to maintain high heat and prevent sogginess.
- 3Mise en place is key. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready by the stove before you start cooking, as the process is very fast.
- 4The final drizzle of toasted sesame oil is for flavor, not for cooking. Adding it off the heat preserves its delicate, nutty aroma.
- 5For a deeper umami flavor, add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to the soy sauce mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Stir-fry 8 oz of sliced chicken, pork, shrimp, or firm tofu before the bok choy. Remove from the wok, cook the bok choy, then add the protein back in at the end.
Add MushroomsAdd Mushrooms
Sauté 4 oz of sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms after the aromatics and before adding the bok choy stems for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Make it Gluten FreeMake it Gluten-Free
Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine, as some brands contain wheat.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1-2 whole dried red chilies along with the garlic and ginger, or stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce with the soy sauce mixture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Bok choy is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for vision, immune function, and blood clotting.
Supports Bone Health
The high concentration of Vitamin K, along with calcium and magnesium in bok choy, contributes to building and maintaining strong bones.
Packed with Antioxidants
Bok choy contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and selenium, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Promotes Heart Health
Being low in calories and high in fiber, folate, and potassium, bok choy can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this dish contains approximately 95-110 calories, making it a very light and healthy side dish. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used.