Description
This quick bok choy stir fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With tender-crisp bok choy, garlic, sesame, and a splash of soy sauce, it’s healthy, versatile, and delicious. Serve it as a side with rice, noodles, or your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound small bok choy (about 3–4 small heads)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sambal oelek (garlic chili paste), optional
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cut bok choy in half lengthwise and rinse well. Shake dry.
- Preheat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add bok choy cut side down and pour in 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until bok choy becomes tender-crisp.
- Push bok choy to one side of the skillet. Add garlic and sesame oil, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in soy sauce and sambal oelek, if using. Toss with bok choy until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm.
Notes
- Serving: This stir fry is best served hot right out of the pan. Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, teriyaki chicken, salmon, or tofu for a complete meal. It also works well as a healthy side dish to balance heavier main courses.
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore freshness. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the bok choy soggy.
- Freezing: Not recommended, since bok choy loses its crisp texture after thawing.