Easy Bok Choy With Garlic Soy Sauce

The aroma of garlic mingles with the earthy notes of bok choy as it cooks, promising a delightful experience on your plate. This Easy Bok Choy With Garlic Soy Sauce is a quick, 15-minute dish that’s great for anyone looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. The simplicity of the preparation, paired with a flavorful sauce, makes it a standout recipe.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes or grilled proteins. Bok choy can be stored fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The tender-crisp bok choy provides a satisfying texture that complements the sauce.
• It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy side.
• The combination of garlic and soy sauce creates an irresistible umami flavor.
• Optional Sichuan peppercorn adds a hint of spice for those who dare.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this easy and delicious dish.

For the Bok Choy

• 2 lb bok choy, cut in half and washed

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp crushed Sichuan peppercorn, optional

Try using other greens like napa cabbage if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use soy sauce instead of vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a milder flavor.
• Swap Sichuan peppercorns with black pepper for less heat.
• Substitute bok choy with kale or spinach for variety.

How to Make It

Here’s how to whip up this tasty dish in no time.

Cut and wash

Cut the bok choy in half, wash it thoroughly, and drain it before setting aside.

Boil

Prepare a pot of boiling water and add salt and oil before placing the bok choy inside. Cover the pot and let it boil for 2 minutes.

Drain and plate

Drain the bok choy carefully and place it on a serving plate.

Prepare garlic

Cut the garlic cloves into fine pieces and set them aside for cooking.

Make the sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns for a flavorful sauce.

Simmer

Heat a pan and add the minced garlic along with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve

Pour the hot sauce over the prepared bok choy and it’s ready to serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, as the texture will change.
Reheat: in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh bok choy for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the bok choy; it should remain crisp.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds as a garnish for added crunch.
• Adjust sugar and soy sauce amounts based on your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside stir-fried tofu for a complete vegan meal.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner.
• Enjoy as part of a larger Asian-themed feast with rice and other vegetables.