Spicy Garlic Bok Choy
A quick and spicy vegetable side, this garlic bok choy dish comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect alongside hearty mains.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb bok choy baby or regular; see notes below
- 2 tablespoons chili oil adjust for heat level
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- optional as needed sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the bok choy under cold water, shaking away grit from the base. Trim off any tough ends and cut each head into halves or quarters depending on size. Smaller leaves can be left whole.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chili oil. Let it warm until it shimmers but does not smoke.
Cooking
- Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly, stirring constantly, until fragrant — about 30 seconds.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add the bok choy in a single layer if possible. Stir and toss frequently for even cooking.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the green leaves have wilted and the white stems are tender-crisp. If you prefer softer stems, cook an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and toss to combine. Remove from heat immediately to preserve color and texture.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Notes
Dry your bok choy after washing. Cut stems thicker than leaves to ensure even cooking. Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly in a warm pan. For creative twists, consider finishing with white miso glaze, a squeeze of lime and sesame oil, or adding protein.