Time: 4 mins | Cook Time: 8 mins | Total Time: 12 mins | Servings: 4
This Garlicky Ginger Bok Choy Stir-Fry is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that comes together in minutes. The tender-crisp bok choy is perfectly complemented by fragrant garlic and a hint of ginger, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. It’s a fantastic way to add some greens to your plate without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pound bok choy, trimmed and chopped (separate the white stems from the leafy greens)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat (optional)
Directions:
- Heat the Wok: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Bok Choy Stems: Add the chopped white stems of the bok choy to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften slightly. This allows the stems to cook a bit longer than the leaves.
- Add Bok Choy Leaves: Add the chopped leafy greens of the bok choy to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the leaves are wilted but still have a slight crispness. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat all the bok choy.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir briefly.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the stir-fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately as a side dish with rice, noodles, or your favorite protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 85
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Tips & Variations from Home Cooks:
- Add Protein: Some home cooks suggested adding sliced mushrooms, tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to your liking.
- Sweetness: A touch of honey or brown sugar can be added for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Marinate the Garlic and Ginger: One user recommended mixing the garlic and ginger with the soy sauce and oyster sauce before adding it to the wok for a more intense flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the bok choy, you want it to retain some of its crispness.
