Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic

If you're looking for a simple, traditional veggie side dish, look no further! This Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic is easy to make and full of garlicky flavor - a quick, healthy addition to any meal.

Jump to:

• About the Ingredients
• How to stir fry Bok Choy with Garlic (Step by Step)
• Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic Recipe
• Pro Tips & Variations
• More Delicious Bok Choy Recipes!
• Pin for later!

The crisp white stalks and tender green leaves of bok choy cook up beautifully in just minutes, creating a vibrant side that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or your favorite main dish. You can keep it light and simple, or finish it with a drizzle of soy sauce for extra umami flavor.

About the Ingredients

Here's some extra info about the ingredients you may find helpful!

Bok Choy

Bok choy is a type of Chinese vegetable. It is also known as Chinese cabbage, but unlike regular cabbages, they do not form heads and have leafy greens with bulbs at the bottoms.

Some describe the flavor as somewhere between spinach and water chestnuts with a slight hint of sweet and peppery undertone.

One thing to know is that when people say Bok Choy, they usually mean Shanghai Bok Choy, which is one variety of bok choy. There are many types of bok choy - Shanghai bok choy (green stems), white bok choy (white stems), Taiwan bok choy, and more. They all cook similarly, though the flavor and texture vary slightly. Use whichever kind you can find!

If you're interested in learning more about Chinese veggies - here's a whole article on various Chinese vegetables such as snow peas, celtuce, sweet potato leaves, Chinese broccoli and more!

Dried Shrimp

Often times we make veggie stir fries with dried shrimp (aka 蝦米). Dried shrimps are sun dried shrimps that have been preserved and is used in many Asian cuisines. It adds a umami flavor to the dish. We always have a jar (or 2) of dried shrimp in the house, as there are different types too!

If you're interested, you can buy them from any Asian supermarkets or on amazon. But to make this dish, it is actually completely optional.

Garlic

Garlic is what gives this dish its signature aroma and flavor. You can mince it for a stronger garlic flavor or slice it for a milder, toasted result.

Optional Soy Sauce

Adding a small splash of soy sauce at the end is totally optional, but it brings out a deep, savory flavor that complements the bok choy beautifully.

How to stir fry Bok Choy with Garlic (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb bok choy, rinsed thoroughly
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
• (Optional) ½ tablespoon dried shrimp, rinsed
• Salt, to taste
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon light soy sauce

Prepare the Bok Choy: Cut off and discard the very end of the bok choy bunches. For larger bunches, separate the white stalks from the leafy green parts. Cut the white stalks into approximately 1-inch lengths. If the bok choy bunches are small, you can skip this separation step.

Stir Fry Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the garlic and optionally, dried shrimp. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the White Stalks: Add the white parts of the bok choy (if separated) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.

Add the Greens: Add the leafy green parts of the bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes or until bok choy reaches your desired level of tenderness. For crispier bok choy, cook for a shorter time; for softer bok choy, cook for a longer time.

Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt to taste. For extra depth, drizzle in the soy sauce during the last 30 seconds of cooking, then toss to combine. Remove from heat and serve hot as a delicious veggie side dish!

Pro Tips & Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili oil along with the garlic for a touch of heat.
• Add Ginger: A small knob of grated fresh ginger added with the garlic will introduce a warm, aromatic layer.
• Soy Sauce Drizzle: For an extra layer of umami, drizzle a teaspoon of light soy sauce over the bok choy during the last minute of cooking.
• Sesame Oil Finish: A few drops of toasted sesame oil at the very end will add a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Consider adding pan-fried tofu cubes, sliced mushrooms, or even some pre-cooked chicken or shrimp for a more substantial dish.

More Delicious Bok Choy Recipes!

Bok choy is one of the most beloved leafy greens in Asian cooking-tender, crisp, and perfect for stir frying! Whether you prefer it simply with garlic or paired with beef and mushrooms, these recipes make it easy (and delicious) to eat your veggies:

• Do you like Shiitake Mushrooms? I do! If you do too, check out my Shiitake Mushroom Bok Choy Stir Fry - Shiitake mushrooms bring rich, earthy depth to this dish. Paired with bok choy, it's a simple yet flavorful side that's umami-packed and super satisfying.
• If you can get your hands on it, try some Taiwan Bok Choy! It's extra tender with a naturally mild sweetness. This quick stir fry recipe brings out its delicate flavor-perfect as a light, refreshing side dish in just minutes!
• Add some protein with this Sweet Bok Choy with Beef Stir Fry! While I use a bok choy variety called sweet bok choy, you can use regular bok choy as well. This dish is a hearty, savory stir fry featuring marinated beef and sweet bok choy cooked at high heat for maximum flavor and tenderness. It's a full meal in one pan!
• Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce is another fantastic delicious veggie side dish idea! Blanched bok choy smothered in a savory garlic, soy, and oyster sauce blend-this one's a classic Chinese-style veggie side that pairs well with just about any main.

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