Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe
Introduction
Baby bok choy with soy sauce and garlic is a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Its tender greens and crisp stalks tossed in savory sauces make it both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ pound of baby bok choy
- 2 teaspoons of canola or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon of soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon of Chinese mushroom sauce
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the baby bok choy to the boiling water and cook for one minute. Drain and immediately transfer the bok choy to the ice water to stop the cooking. Once cool, drain again and dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the drained bok choy and toss to coat, cooking and stirring until just beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and mushroom sauce, cooking and stirring for another minute. Transfer to a serving dish, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil just before serving.
- Chinese mushroom sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste.
- If baby bok choy is unavailable, regular bok choy or baby napa cabbage can be used instead.
Storage
Store leftover bok choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold as a salad topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?
Yes, regular bok choy works well; just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the thicker stems become tender.
What can I use if I don’t have Chinese mushroom sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of mushroom broth to mimic the flavor.
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Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender baby bok choy sautéed with aromatic garlic and enhanced with savory soy and Chinese mushroom sauces, garnished with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ pound baby bok choy
- 2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon Chinese mushroom sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the bok choy: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the baby bok choy to the boiling water and cook for one minute to soften slightly. Drain and immediately transfer the bok choy to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and pat dry using a clean towel or paper towels.
- Stir-fry garlic: Heat the canola or vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook bok choy: Add the blanched bok choy to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the garlic and oil. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the bok choy just begins to brown, enhancing its flavorful aroma.
- Add sauces and finish cooking: Pour in the soy sauce and Chinese mushroom sauce, stirring constantly to coat the bok choy. Cook for an additional 1 minute while stirring to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season and garnish: Transfer the cooked bok choy to a serving dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish and add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for some heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Blanching the bok choy before stir-frying helps retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Chinese mushroom sauce adds a unique umami flavor; it can be substituted with mushroom soy sauce if unavailable.
- Adjust the soy sauce and salt according to your taste and dietary needs.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes sparingly for a mild kick of heat.
- Serve this dish as a side with steamed rice and your choice of protein for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: baby bok choy, stir-fry, garlic, soy sauce, Chinese mushroom sauce, sesame seeds, quick side dish, vegetarian
