Classic Stir-Fried Bok Choy

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 4 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious dish with a delightful crunch and a touch of Asian flair, this Classic Stir-Fried Bok Choy is exactly what you need. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that highlights the natural goodness of bok choy, making it a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Classic Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Bok Choy is the star here, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements many dishes. Its crisp texture is perfect for stir-frying. Vegetable oil serves as the cooking medium, delivering even heat distribution. Garlic adds a savory, aromatic depth. Soy sauce provides a salty, umami punch. A dash of salt enhances all the flavors, while white pepper adds a subtle heat and earthiness, distinct from black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slice the bok choy stalks diagonally for a more elegant look and faster cooking.
  • If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; if you're making a larger batch, do it in stages to maintain a good sear.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fried bok choy is versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or toss it into a noodle bowl for extra greens. It’s also delightful as part of a buffet with other Asian-inspired dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby bok choy instead?
Absolutely! Baby bok choy works wonderfully and is often more tender, requiring even less cooking time.
What if I don't have white pepper?
No problem, you can use black pepper instead, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Simply substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Classic Stir-Fried Bok Choy Recipe Walkthrough

Start by washing and trimming the ends off the bok choy. Separate the leaves; this helps them cook evenly. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.

Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; the goal is a light golden color.

Toss in the bok choy. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the leaves wilting and the stalks becoming tender-crisp. This is when the magic happens — the flavors meld as everything cooks down.

Next, drizzle in the soy sauce, followed by a sprinkle of salt and white pepper. Stir well to coat the bok choy evenly. Once everything is well-mixed, remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for busy weeknights — ready in under 10 minutes.
  • A healthy side dish that pairs with almost anything.
  • Uses minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Great way to introduce more greens into your diet.

Ingredients

1 lb bok choy
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground white pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Wash and trim the ends off the bok choy, separating the leaves.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add the bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted and the stalks are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper, and mix well to coat the bok choy evenly.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

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