Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Bok choy, with its crisp texture and mild flavor, is a versatile vegetable that can elevate any dish. Paired with a rich garlic sauce, this bok choy recipe becomes a delightful side that can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a vibrant addition to your dinner table, this Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe is sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, it highlights the natural taste of bok choy while adding a savory kick from the garlic sauce. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking only about 15 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger creates a beautifully rich sauce that clings to the tender greens, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Shopping List
- 6 finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon peeled and finely minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ cup chicken stock or water
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 pounds baby bok choy, sliced in half lengthwise
Tools of the Trade
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board is essential for chopping the bok choy and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing through the bok choy effortless.
- Large Skillet or Wok: A wide skillet or wok helps to evenly cook the bok choy and allows for easy tossing.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.
- Spatula or Tongs: Useful for stirring and flipping the bok choy as it cooks.
Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing the baby bok choy thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Slice each bok choy in half lengthwise, ensuring even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves and ginger finely, as this will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, light brown sugar, and chicken stock or water. Whisk the mixture together until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated. This sauce will serve as the flavorful base for your bok choy.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s ready for the bok choy.
Step 4: Cook the Bok Choy
Place the bok choy halves in the skillet cut-side down. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to brown slightly. This will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Flip the bok choy over and pour the prepared garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the bok choy in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bok choy is tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
Remove the lid and give the bok choy a final toss in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let the sauce thicken slightly. Once done, transfer the bok choy to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Enjoy your delicious bok choy with garlic sauce as a side dish or even as a main!
Fit It to Your Goals
- For a vegan version, substitute the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or simply omit it.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and use less of it.
- Add protein by toss in some cooked tofu or chicken slices along with the bok choy.
- Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a more colorful dish.
Author’s Commentary
This Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of my go-to side dishes. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and pairs beautifully with almost any main course. I love how the garlic and ginger come together to create a sauce that really enhances the natural flavor of the bok choy without overpowering it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet without sacrificing taste!
Prep Ahead & Store
If you’re looking to prep ahead, you can wash and slice the bok choy in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The garlic sauce can also be made ahead of time; simply store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best texture and flavor!
Common Questions
Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?
Yes, you can use regular bok choy, but keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time to become tender. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
Absolutely! You can use mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute. Both will provide a similar umami flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to create a more colorful and varied dish.
How do I know when the bok choy is cooked properly?
The bok choy should be bright green and tender yet still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can lead to mushy greens, so keep an eye on it during the steaming process.
Let’s Eat
This Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. With its vibrant color and rich flavor, it’s sure to be a hit on your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that showcases the humble yet beautiful bok choy. You’ll find that this dish not only complements a variety of mains but can stand out on its own as a flavorful and nutritious centerpiece. Happy cooking!
Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the baby bok choy thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Slice each bok choy in half lengthwise, ensuring even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves and ginger finely.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, light brown sugar, and chicken stock or water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the bok choy halves in the skillet cut-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to brown slightly.
- Flip the bok choy over and pour the prepared garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat and cover with a lid. Steam for about 3-5 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
- Remove the lid and give the bok choy a final toss in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let the sauce thicken slightly, then transfer to a serving platter.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or omit it.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Add cooked tofu or chicken for extra protein.
