Quickly sauteed and then glazed in a rich, garlicky, maple soy sauce, this Bok Choy Stir Fry makes a flavor-packed side dish that is ready in just 10 minutes!
The next time you are looking for a way to use bok choy or a simple side dish that pairs well with Asian entrees, this Stir-Fried Bok Choy is a must-make! The sweet and savory glaze is sure to have you hooked on this healthy vegetable.
What is Bok Choy?
Bok Choy, or pak choi, is a variety of Chinese Cabbage. That is rich in vitamins and minerals. Bok choy is crisp, bright, fresh, and can stand up to bold flavors.
Bok choy shines in dishes like Homemade Ramen and Stir Fry Chicken with Bok Choy but also can stand alone as a delicious, vegetable side dish. And this recipe for sauteed Bok Choy proves just that.
The bok choy is quickly stir-fried, allowing the greens of the bok choy to wilt and soften, while the stems stay crisp-tender.
But the magic of this Stir-Fried Bok Choy is the slightly sweet, garlicky sauce that glazes the bok choy.
Bok Choy stir fry is one of the easiest side dishes, and the contrast of textures and flavors is absolutely delicious.
Notes on Ingredients
- Bok Choy: You can use baby bok choy or full grown bok choy for this stir fry. Both varieties hold up well to a stir fry. Regardless of the variety you select, be sure to look for bok choy is not slimy or bruised and intact and firm at the base of the cabbage.
- Oil: You want to select a neutral oil with a high-smoking point, such as canola or avocado oil.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup will add a nice sweetness to contrast to the natural bitter notes in the bok choy. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup if enjoyed.
- Soy Sauce: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium level to a minimum. You opt to use liquid/coconut amino acids in place of the soy sauce if desired.
- Ginger Root: Use freshly grated ginger root, not ground ginger, for the best flavor.
- Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar. If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, substitute in another mild vinegar, like apple cider vinegar.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes add subtle heat and allow the palate to wake up. Feel free to to omit if you are sensistive to heat.
- Sesame Seeds: The sesame seeds are optional, but add a nice crunch and texture to the bok choy stir fry.
How to Stir Fry Bok Choy
Before cooking bok choy it is essential to clean the vegetable, as its bottom leaves often trap dirt and grime, much like leeks.
- Cut the bok choy into 1 inch strips and place into cold water.
- Use your hands to swish the cabbage around to help remove debris.
- Drain and rinse the bok choy using a colander, being sure to shake off excess moisture.
- Dry the bok choy using a clean kitchen towel or using a salad spinner.
- Heat a a bit of oil in large nonstick saute pan over medium heat.
- To the oil, add in the minced garlic and ginger and saute for 30 seconds, JUST until fragrant, being careful to not let garlic or ginger burn.
- Add in the bok choy, soy sauce, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon water, and toss everything together to evenly coat the bok choy with the seasonings.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Uncover, add in the rice wine vinegar and continue to stir fry, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and top with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Storage
Leftover bok choy stir fry can be stored for 3-4 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This dish can not be frozen.
More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
- Orange Glazed Carrots
- Green Beans Almondine
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Oven Roasted Asparagus
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
If you tried this recipe for Bok Choy Stir Fry, please be sure to leave a comment and review below.
Bok Choy Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound regular or baby bok choy
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado or canola
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the bok choy using a colander, being sure to shake off excess moisture.
- Dry the bok choy using a clean kitchen towel or using a salad spinner.
- Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Be sure your pan has a lid, or use a baking sheet to cover your saute pan if you do not have a lid that fits.
- Add in oil and heat for 30 seconds, then add in garlic and ginger and saute for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful to not let garlic or ginger burn.
- Add in the bok choy and toss to coat with the garlic and ginger.
- Add in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon water and cover the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Uncover, add in the rice wine vinegar. Stir the bok choy and continue to saute until the greens are wilted and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 1-2 minutes longer.
- Turn off heat and top with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Tillie
Excellent recipe! I will add mushrooms-as suggested, now that this will be in my vegetable rotation. Yummy!
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Tillie!
Darcie Snyder
so glad I found this site and recipe. I made it tonite with carrots onion and bok choy and some sliced beef I had on hand. the sauce was perfect. will be making this a lot.
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear you enjoyed!
Carrie
Absolutely DELICIOUS!! I made this exactly as written and it turned out amazing!!
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing Carrie!
Lydia
I added this and shiitake mushrooms to cubed pork (2 boneless chops) stir fried in sesame oil.. yum!
Kristen Chidsey
So happy you enjoyed Lydia! Thanks for sharing your additions 🙂
Emily
Can I add shitake mushrooms which I already have on hand?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes, that would be delicious!
Ginger K
What main dish would be good to serve with this? Thanks.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Ginger! I love serving this with Honey Lemon Chicken, Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Grilled Shrimp, or entrees with Asian flavors or honey garlic flavors.
Joy
I love Bok Choy, and have typically enjoyed it in Asian stir fry dishes along with an array of other vegetables, seafoods and meats, but having it stand alone with only some bold seasoning is a show stopper in my book. I made this tonight alongside a salmon filet and is really enhanced the meal. I could eat this just by itself. Great flavor and texture. Totally delicious. This will become a regular part of my cooking repertoire. Thanks for a great recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! I love hearing how much you enjoyed Joy! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Cherie McGuire
This recipe would also be perfect for Brussel sprouts. The only thing you’d have to do is cut them in half and adjust the cooking time. Love them both can’t wait to try them with this recipe
Sam
I've never made bok choy before and this was completely delicious. I'm not a huge Ginger fan but the Ginger was the perfect amount . I will be making this dish again tomorrow.
Kristen Chidsey
Fabulous! I am so happy you enjoyed the bok choy--even with the ginger.
Kevin
I’ve recently been trying to eat healthier foods and try different things in my new instapot. You’re recipes are amazing and easy to follow. Thank you for these and I can’t wait to try the Bok Chou!
Trying to get off my blood pressure medication lol !
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you are enjoying my recipes Kevin! Good luck getting off your blood pressure meds as well.
Hannah
My family loved this! Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad your family enjoyed Hannah!
Christa
I'd never tried bok choy and it was delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you gave it a try Christa and you enjoyed it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I'm made this for the weekend, everyone devoured it!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Shadi!