Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze is a tasty and vibrant dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This simple recipe highlights the mild sweetness of baby bok choy, complemented by a rich soy garlic sauce. It’s quick to make, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables. Baby bok choy is not only packed with vitamins and minerals, but it also cooks quickly, keeping its crispy texture. The soy garlic glaze adds a delightful umami flavor that will appeal to everyone. Moreover, this dish is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to add more greens to their meals in a delicious way.
How to Make Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
Ingredients:
- 4 heads baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add baby bok choy cut-side down. Let sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 more minutes until bok choy is just tender but still crisp, and the sauce is slightly reduced.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
How to Serve Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
Serve this dish warm as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It can also be enjoyed over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
How to Store Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
If you have leftovers, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply toss in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
- Make sure not to overcook the bok choy; it should remain a bit crisp.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil.
- You can also add other vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, for extra color and nutrition.
Variation
Feel free to switch the sauce ingredients. You can use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Adding other sauces like hoisin or fish sauce can also change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?
Yes, you can use regular bok choy, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to become tender.
2. Is this dish vegan?
This dish is almost vegan; just skip the oyster sauce or use a vegan alternative to keep it plant-based.
3. How can I make this dish a full meal?
You can add protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, and serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Soy Garlic Glaze
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 4 heads baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional) Can be omitted for a vegan dish
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste for spice
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add baby bok choy cut-side down. Let sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 more minutes until bok choy is just tender but still crisp, and the sauce is slightly reduced.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
