This recipe for Garlic Bok Choy is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights its natural sweetness and crunch. Quick and easy to prepare, it's the perfect side for any meal.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
What is bok choy?
Bok choy (also known as pak choi) is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine.
It has crisp white stalks and tender green leaves with a mild flavor that works well in stir-fries, noodle soups, steamed buns, and braised dishes.
Why you'll love this recipe
Quick & easy: it's ready in under 10 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Versatile: the garlicky bok choy pairs perfectly as a side dish with steamed rice, noodles, or protein dishes.
Adaptable: change it up and try it with another leafy green vegetable, such as gai lan, yu choy or spinach.
Ingredients you'll need
- bok choy: washed and trimmed; you can also use other leafy greens
- vegetable oil: any neutral oil will work
- fresh garlic: minced
- sea salt: or soy sauce, or to your taste
- white pepper: or black pepper if you wish
- cold water: for dissolving the cornstarch
- cornstarch: gives the bok choy a bit of a silky sauce
Where to find?
You can find bok choy in large supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.
How to cook bok choy
Trim the ends of the bok choy and separate the leaves if using large bok choy.
Rinse well under cold water and drain.
Bring a large pot of water up to a boil.
Add in the bok choy and boil for 30 seconds.
Drain the par-cooked bok choy and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
Heat oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
Add bok choy, stir fry for a few seconds, add in minced garlic and continue stir-frying until fragrant.
Add in salt and white pepper.
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cold water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the bok choy, stir to coat the veggies, and cook until slightly thickened, about another 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat, and serve.
How to serve
Serve garlic bok choy as a side dish along with steamed rice, fried rice, instant noodles, ramen noodles, or egg noodles.
Pair with steamed fish, or proteins such as lion's head meatballs, roast duck, or sweet & sour pork.
How to store
It's best to enjoy the cooked bok choy on the same day it's prepared.
Variations
Make it spicy: add chili flakes, chilies or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
More flavor: add a drizzle of oyster sauce for even more delicious umami flavor.
Use different veggies: try it with different leafy green such as gai lan, yu choy, or spinach.
Expert tips
Don't overcook the bok choy. Rinsing the bok choy under cold water will halt the cooking process and retain its crunch.
Other delicious recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- I love seeing your creations! Tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer and be sure to leave me a comment/rating below!
Garlic Bok Choy
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) bok choy washed and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt or soy sauce, or to your taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare bok choy:
- Trim the ends of the bok choy and separate the leaves if using large bok choy.
- Rinse well under cold water and drain.
- Bring a large pot of water up to a boil.
- Add in the bok choy and boil for 30 seconds.
- Drain the par-cooked bok choy and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
Cook:
- Heat oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
- Add bok choy, stir fry for a few seconds, add in minced garlic and continue stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add in salt and white pepper.
- In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cold water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the bok choy, stir to coat the veggies, and cook until slightly thickened, about another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Leave a Reply