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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    Published: Jan 9, 2023 by Kristen Wood - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe

    This easy garlic bok choy recipe makes the perfect quick weeknight side dish when you're short on time. Bursting with flavor and naturally gluten-free and vegan.

    Cooked bok choy in a white plate.

    🥬 What is Bok Choy?

    Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage also known as pok choi or pak choy. A member of the brassica family, this cruciferous vegetable is commonly used in Asian cuisines and works well in stir-fries, salads, soup, or anywhere you need some additional nutrients and fresh flavor. This leafy green vegetable might just become your new favorite side dish!

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    Jump to:
    • 🥬 What is Bok Choy?
    • ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • 🧄 Ingredients and Substitutes
    • 🔪 How to Cook Bok Choy
    • 🍲 Serving Ideas
    • ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍴 More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • It doesn't get much quicker than this bok choy recipe when it comes to cooking up an easy vegetarian side dish.
    • This recipe is packed with flavor, yet made with simple ingredients.
    • This bok choy comes out both perfectly tender leafy greens and a still slightly crisp stalk. This texture combo is a delight!
    • Bok choy is high in Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and Vitamin K (to name a few!).
    • This garlic bok choy is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
    A white bowl with wilted bok choy with cooked garlic and spices.

    🧄 Ingredients and Substitutes

    Bok choy: Both bok choy and baby bok choy can be used in this recipe!

    Garlic: Minced garlic adds all the garlic flavor here (no need for a bunch of spices)! I find 4 cloves suitable, but feel free to increase for even more garlic flavor.

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    Avocado oil: Avocado is a good neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, making it a great choice for the cooking method used with this bok choy recipe. Having said that use what oil you have on hand. Vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil make excellent choices as well.

    Toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil is quite a bit different than regular sesame oil, and I do recommend using the toasted variety in this recipe for a nice touch of sesame flavor.

    Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos not only add a nice touch of sweetness to balance other flavors but also coats the bok choy rather nicely, leaving a nice texture, too. If you do not have coconut aminos you can substitute with soy sauce instead. If gluten-free, be certain to use gluten-free soy sauce.

    Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a needed hit of acid to this dish, but apple cider vinegar or white vinegar will get the job done if need be.

    Optional garnishes: It isn't necessary, but this dish works well with a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you are a fan of heat, sesame seeds for a bit of texture, and a pinch of flaked salt if you like your food on the saltier side.

    Cooked bok choy in a shallow white bowl.

    🔪 How to Cook Bok Choy

    Fresh bok choy resting on a white table.
    A skillet with oil and minced garlic.
    A skillet with bok choy, garlic and oil.
    A white bowl filled with cooked bok choy and garlic.
    1. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, saute the garlic in oil for a few minutes, before adding the remaining ingredients.
    2. Toss all to coat, cover, cook for a few minutes, toss again, cover, and cook for a few minutes longer, or until crisp-tender.
    3. Enjoy as is or optionally garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

    🍲 Serving Ideas

    • Drizzle with hot sauce and serve over ramen.
    • Top off quinoa or rice bowls with this stir-fried bok choy dish.
    • Serve alongside other pan-fried veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, shallots, bell pepper, carrots, or brussels sprouts for a majorly veggie-packed side dish.
    • Serve with a protein like tofu or tempeh, or if you are not vegetarian or vegan, beef, chicken, or shrimp.
    A shallow white bowl with cooked bok choy and a silver fork.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between bok choy and baby bok choy?

    Bok choy and baby bok choy are the same plants, with baby bok choy being harvested earlier than fully grown bok choy.

    What does bok choy taste like?

    Bok choy kind of tastes like a mix between celery and green cabbage.

    Where do I buy bok choy?

    Bok choy can commonly be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, as well as Asian supermarkets.

    Can I store cooked bok choy in the refrigerator?

    Yes. White stir-fried bok choy tastes best cooked and served right away, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm.

    A shallow white bowl with wilted bok choy.

    🍴 More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

    Sauteed Mushrooms

    Pickled Cabbage

    Stewed Potatoes

    Sweet Pickled Ginger

    Cherry Tomato Confit

    Cooked bok choy with garlic and seeds resting in a bright white bowl.

    📖 Recipe

    Cooked bok choy in a white plate.

    Bok Choy Recipe

    This easy garlic bok choy recipe makes the perfect quick weeknight side dish when you're short on time. Bursting with flavor and naturally gluten-free and vegan.
    5 from 131 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Chinese
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 4 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Author: Kristen Wood

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 head bok choy quartered lengthwise
    • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • red pepper flakes, sesame seeds optional garnish
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    Instructions

    • In a skillet over medium high heat, add the avocado oil and garlic.
    • Saute while stirring frequently for 2 minutes, or until the garlic begins to turn golden.
    • Add the bok choy, coconut aminos, sesame oil, and vinegar.
    • Toss to coat, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes.
    • Remove the lid and give all a good stir.
    • Place the lid back on and cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
    • Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds before serving.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    This is one dish that I find doesn't really require additional salt, thanks to the coconut aminos (or soy sauce). Having said that, if you like your food on the saltier side, feel free to salt to taste right after cooking.
    Before preparing bok choy for this recipe, I recommend giving it a good rinse in a colander to remove all dirt prior to cooking.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 444mg | Potassium: 1083mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 18766IU | Vitamin C: 191mg | Calcium: 452mg | Iron: 3mg

    Recommended Products

    Coconut Aminos
    Toasted Sesame Oil
    Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jo Keohane says

      March 14, 2023 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      Bok choi is one of my very favorite veggies and doesn't always get the love it deserves. We loved this combination of flavors - great recipe!

      Reply
    2. Jenn says

      March 14, 2023 at 6:03 am

      5 stars
      I love easy recipes that are full of flavor and this really delivers! So good and ready so fast! I'll be making it often!

      Reply
    3. Gina says

      March 14, 2023 at 5:43 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite vegetables! Loved this easy cooking method and all that garlic flavor.

      Reply
    4. Shar Claveria says

      March 14, 2023 at 3:24 am

      5 stars
      Got this last Saturday for our dinner and served it with our favorite chicken recipe, it was a perfect combination! Even the picky loved it! The bok choy was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Another addition to our dinner rotation. Thanks Kristen!

      Reply
    5. Vladka says

      March 14, 2023 at 2:25 am

      5 stars
      There are not many bok choy recipes out there, and this is one of my favorites. Packed with flavors and delicious, I love the addition of rice vinegar.

      Reply
    6. Sara says

      February 27, 2023 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      Omg this was *chef's kiss* good!! LOVED the flavor of the coconut aminos with the bok choy. Will definitely make this again!

      Reply
    7. Shruthi says

      February 27, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      Doubled the garlic, because hey, you need to measure that with your heart, right? Also served with some chili crisp and it was DELICIOUS.

      Reply
    8. Addison says

      February 27, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      This bok choy was so flavorful! I loved it paired with chicken for dinner. Yum!

      Reply
    9. Elizabeth says

      February 27, 2023 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      I always get bok choy in my CSA and I wasn't sure what to do with it. This recipe is perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
    10. Liz says

      February 07, 2023 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was the perfect quick and easy side dish! Loved the flavor. Defintiely going to make it again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        February 16, 2023 at 3:14 pm

        So happy to hear it! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Michelle says

      February 07, 2023 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      My kids loved this! So much flavour, and so simple to make! Will be our go-to. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    12. Vladka says

      February 07, 2023 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      I skipped the garlic and loved it! It is a straightforward and delicious recipe. Thank you

      Reply
    13. Brooke says

      February 07, 2023 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      This was fantastic! We are trying to clean up our eating and venture out into new vegetables. Bok Choy wasn't even on my radar until I found this recipe and now I will surely have it again and again. I did add the red pepper flakes for heat. Will try the sesame seeds the next time I make it! Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
    14. Jen says

      January 31, 2023 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      We loved this! Simple and full of flavor. Appreciate finding a recipe that doesn’t call for baby bok choy cuz I find the bigger variety more easily. Thank you

      Reply
    15. Lara says

      January 10, 2023 at 8:34 am

      5 stars
      The bok choy came out perfect! I used the leftovers in a keto stir fry and they were good as well.

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy says

        February 07, 2023 at 12:29 pm

        5 stars
        Great recipe. I found baby bok choy and made this with shrimp and rice and it added some great crunch and flavor.

        Reply
    16. Sharina says

      January 10, 2023 at 5:29 am

      5 stars
      I usually topped my ramen with tofu and toasted garlic, but this time I tried to add this bok choy (as you suggested) and it turned out sooo good. It's packed with flavors that I definitely love. A new favorite!

      Reply
    17. Heidi says

      January 09, 2023 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      I served this with ramen and it was tasty! I will definitely be making it again!

      Reply
    18. Bella B says

      January 09, 2023 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This was delish and just like I get from takeout at my favourite restaurant. Will be making this one again!

      Reply
    19. Amanda says

      January 09, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this boy choy as a side tonight, and it was so, so good! The rice vinegar gave it such a nice brightness, and it came together so quickly. Definitely putting this on the regular rotation.

      Reply

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    kristen wood

    About Kristen Wood

    Hi, I'm Kristen! A mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

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