Quick Sizzling Spicy Garlic Bok Choy Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that pack a punch of nutrition and taste.

This easy 10-min spicy garlic bok choy recipe delivers a vibrant Asian-inspired side dish that sings with bold flavors.

Crisp green leaves meet fiery garlic and chili, creating a simple yet spectacular vegetable experience.

You’ll love how fast this comes together in a sizzling hot pan.

Perfectly balanced between heat and freshness, the dish transforms humble bok choy into a restaurant-worthy creation.

Tender greens coated in a zesty sauce make this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and lightning-fast vegetable side.

Prepare to elevate your meal with this incredibly simple, mouthwatering recipe.

All You Need for Garlicky Bok Choy

• Bok Choy: A tender, mild-flavored Chinese cabbage that provides a crisp texture and fresh green color to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that forms the base of the dish's robust taste profile.

• Soy Sauce, Chili Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Creates a balanced spicy and tangy sauce that enhances the vegetable's natural flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil, Water: Help in sautéing and cooking the bok choy to the perfect tender-crisp consistency.

Tools for Bok Choy Stir Frying

• Large Pan: Essential for sautéing and stir-frying vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing and preparing the spicy sauce ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp blade needed to slice baby bok choy into clean, precise halves.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and toss ingredients during cooking process.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning sauce ingredients.

Quick Guide to Spicy Garlic Bok Choy

Step 1: Prepare Bok Choy

Slice each baby bok choy lengthwise into halves.

Thoroughly rinse the vegetables under cold running water, ensuring all dirt is removed.

Gently shake off excess water or pat dry with clean kitchen towels.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Chili oil
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Red pepper flakes
• Minced fresh ginger

Stir ingredients until well blended and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Place a large skillet or wok on the stovetop.

Pour vegetable oil and heat on low-medium setting.

Add finely chopped garlic and quickly sauté for 10-15 seconds until golden and releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Transform Bok Choy

Crank up the heat to medium-high.

Carefully add prepared bok choy into the pan.

Splash a small amount of water to help create steam.

Stir and toss vegetables rapidly for 2-4 minutes until leaves become vibrant green and slightly wilted.

Step 5: Elevate with Sauce

Drizzle prepared sauce over hot bok choy.

Gently toss to ensure even coating.

Immediately remove from heat and transfer to serving plate.

Optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Bok Choy: Chef’s Favorite Cooking Tips

• Pat bok choy completely dry after rinsing to prevent watery stir-fry and ensure crisp, bright texture.
• Select bright green, firm bok choy with crisp leaves for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Keep medium-high heat to prevent burning garlic and maintain vegetable's vibrant green color.
• Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing chili sauce according to personal heat tolerance.
• Stir-fry bok choy briefly to preserve nutrients, crunch, and prevent soggy vegetable texture.

Creative Bok Choy Add-Ins

• Vegan Protein Boost: Replace water with vegetable broth and add cubed tofu for extra protein and texture.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt content in the spicy sauce mixture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace water with coconut oil and add chili flakes for a low-carb, high-fat alternative that maintains the spicy garlic flavor profile.

Plating Spicy Garlic Bok Choy Dishes

• Veggie Side Sensation: Pair this spicy garlic bok choy with steamed white rice for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
• Asian-Inspired Plating: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil for an restaurant-quality presentation that elevates the dish.
• Quick Meal Companion: Serve alongside simple protein like pan-seared salmon or as part of a quick stir-fry dinner to add vibrant color and zesty flavor to your plate.

Bok Choy Storage Guidance

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the bok choy remains crisp and flavorful.
• Not recommended due to high water content. Frozen bok choy becomes mushy and loses its texture when thawed.
• Quickly stir-fry in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes to retain crispness. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain original texture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of bok choy?

Bok choy is a nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It supports bone health, boosts immune system, and contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.

• Can I use different types of bok choy for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby bok choy or regular bok choy. Just adjust cooking time slightly – baby bok choy cooks faster and requires less time in the pan.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This spicy garlic bok choy is completely vegetarian and can be easily adapted to vegan diets by ensuring all sauce ingredients are plant-based.

Spicy Garlic Bok Choy: Vibrant Table Addition

• Transform simple bok choy into a zesty, restaurant-quality side dish in just minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Deliver bold, punchy flavors through a simple spicy sauce that elevates ordinary vegetables into an exciting culinary experience.
• Pack your meal with vitamins and minerals from fresh bok choy, creating a healthy green side that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.
• Easily adaptable recipe that complements multiple main dishes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner gatherings.

Easy 10-min. Spicy Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers will adore this quick bok choy stir-fry that brings bold Asian flavors to your table. Simple ingredients and fast cooking create a delicious side dish you can easily master at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) baby bok choy (or regular bok choy, yu choy sum, baby gai-lan, cabbage)
• 8 cloves garlic, minced

Oil and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or other neutral oil
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry wine or chicken broth)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons chili oil or chili crisp in oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white sugar

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Instructions

1. Halve the baby bok choy lengthwise, ensuring each piece is thoroughly rinsed under cold water and completely drained to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Whisk together the spicy sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, and set aside for later use.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat, carefully adding minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 10 seconds.
4. Elevate the heat to medium-high, introducing the prepared bok choy and a splash of water into the pan, gently stir-frying until the vegetables transform into a tender, vibrant green state, which typically takes 2-4 minutes.
5. Cascade the prepared sauce over the cooked bok choy, thoroughly coating each piece by tossing the ingredients together, then immediately remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

• Slice bok choy carefully to ensure even cooking and maintain its delicate structure.
• Pat bok choy completely dry after washing to prevent water diluting the sauce and affecting the sauté process.
• Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing chili flakes or using milder alternatives like paprika for sensitive palates.
• Swap vegetable oil with sesame oil for an authentic Asian flavor boost that complements the garlic and bok choy perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg