Easy 10-Minute Spicy Garlic Bok Choy
This Easy 10-Minute Spicy Garlic Bok Choy recipe delivers a quick, vibrant side dish bursting with garlicky flavor, a spicy kick, and fresh crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple pantry staples to create a healthy, flavorful vegetable dish that complements various main courses.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb bok choy, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds, for topping
- Prepare the bok choy: Wash the bok choy thoroughly to remove any dirt. Chop into bite-sized pieces, separating the stalks from the leafy greens to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the oils and garlic: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil and a splash of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
- Add the bok choy stalks: Add the bok choy stalks first, as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Introduce leafy greens and seasoning: Add the leafy parts of the bok choy along with red chili flakes and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Final touches and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss quickly and remove from heat while the greens remain crisp yet tender. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the bok choy.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking to ensure smooth preparation.
- Use high heat to lock in the bok choy’s crunch without wilting it too much.
- Add soy sauce gradually to control saltiness and balance flavors.
- This dish is best served fresh as bok choy can lose texture when stored.
- Customize heat level by adjusting red chili flakes to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: bok choy, spicy garlic bok choy, quick vegetable side dish, vegan side, 10-minute recipe, stir-fried greens, healthy side dish