Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is not only tender and sweet but also versatile in the kitchen. It can handle various cooking methods like steaming, grilling, searing, boiling, stir-frying, or braising. The best part is, you don't need to put in a lot of effort to make it delicious.
For a simple and tasty side dish, cook bok choy with garlic or shiitake mushrooms. You can also elevate your meals by adding it to a bowl of ramen or a sheet pan dinner for a more satisfying experience. Here are 17 of our favorite ways to enjoy bok choy.
Bok Choy is a humble green that delivers a nutritional punch. Its dark leaves unfurl like small cabbage roses, hiding a crunchy, juicy stem within. When sauteed in a bit of oil, garlic, and oyster sauce, the bok choy softens while retaining its fresh, vegetal sweetness.
The oyster sauce imparts a savory umami richness that enhances the vegetable's natural flavors. Simple, healthful, and satisfying, sauteed bok choy with oyster sauce makes for an easy side or a light main dish. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly for a tasty anytime meal.
This simple stir fry presents a fantastic plant-based alternative without compromising on flavor. Start by soaking shiitake mushrooms in hot water for half an hour and, simultaneously, boil bok choy for a few minutes.
Then, combine the vegetables in a vibrant stir fry with garlic, mirin, oyster sauce, peanut oil, and chicken broth. A touch of cornstarch, blended with water, adds a glossy, glistening finish to this easy yet flavorful dish.
So delicate and tender, yet hardy enough for a stir-fry, the crisp stalks and leafy greens are expertly cooked, capturing the essence of freshness. Enhanced by the aroma of crushed garlic and sesame oil, the dish strikes a perfect balance, maintaining a satisfying crunch while absorbing the subtle nutty undertones.
An ideal choice for those exploring the lighter side of Asian cuisine, this bok choy stir-fry with crushed garlic introduces the velvety texture and mild flavors of bok choy with simplicity and nutritional goodness, making it a versatile and delicious treat for any occasion.
This summer salad is a vibrant and refreshing combination of fresh, crisp bok choy, sweet papaya, juicy mango, and vibrant tomatoes. The dressing, crafted from a blend of mango and heirloom tomatoes, enhanced with the zesty notes of lemon juice and the richness of olive oil, adds a burst of summer flavors.
The salad offers a refreshing medley of textures and tastes, making it a vibrant and nutritious dish that captures the essence of the season.
When time is limited but your cravings for something delicious are high, turn to this quick and flavorful dishâTeriyaki Salmon with Garlicky Bok Choy. Ready in under 30 minutes, the star of the show is the teriyaki-glazed salmon, boasting a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
The garlicky bok choy introduces a deliciously aromatic and crisp element to the meal. Served with brown rice, this combination creates a wholesome and satisfying dish, blending efficiency with the satisfying fusion of Asian-inspired tastes.
For more salmon recipes, quickly check out our Grilled Salmon Recipes for a perfect summer dinner.
6. Coconut Poached White Fish with Bok Choy and Herbs
Coconut-poached white fish with bok choy and herbs is a flavorful culinary creation that melds the delicate essence of white fish with the richness of coconut. The dish showcases tender bok choy, meticulously prepared with trimmed ends and separated leaves, and is generously adorned with aromatic herbs.
The creamy and warming coconut broth forms a luscious base, resulting in a perfect blend of textures and tastes. This delectable ensemble is most enjoyable when served atop a bed of cauliflower rice, introducing an extra layer of nuance to the overall dining experience.
Warm and cozy, this ramen noodle soup nurtures the body and soul. The satisfaction of slurping long noodles is heightened by the addition of substantive bok choy, accompanied by delicate spinach leaves and firmer mushrooms that create lovely contrasting textures.
Ideal for a hearty lunch or supper, it satisfies like a substantial meal without inducing an overly full sensation. Brimming with wholesome vegetables and protein from the eggs, this soup ensures sustained nourishment.
In less than 15 minutes, this simple and speedy recipe for stir-fried baby bok choy with soy sauce and garlic brings a restaurant-quality side dish to your table. Packed with savory and umami flavors, it has become a favorite way to elevate the humble green leafy vegetable, complementing various grilled and fried mains.
Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it's also a nutritious and budget-friendly addition to your meal lineup. If you're craving more stir-fry variations, delve into our collection of the Best Stir Fry Recipes for quick weeknight meals.
Crispy bok choy with garlic, soy, and shallots is a flavorful dish that highlights the unique taste and texture of bok choy. In this preparation, the bok choy is transformed into a crispy delight through a combination of garlic, soy sauce, and shallots.
The savory and aromatic profile of the garlic and shallots, combined with the umami richness of soy sauce, enhances the overall appeal of the dish. This creation offers a fusion of crispy textures and bold flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and satisfying vegetable side.
When you're in search of a simple yet delectable side dish, consider trying this sauteed bok choy with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The recipe recommends using baby bok choy, but a large bok choy is also suitable; simply trim the stem ends and cut the heads into 2-inch pieces. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a bowl of fluffy white rice, making it a perfect addition to your meal.
This Bok Choy Chow Mein beckons you to skip takeout and relish homemade perfection in under 30 minutes. With an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, the dish showcases crispy noodles embracing the freshness of bok choy.
Earthy mushrooms and the satisfying crunch of bean sprouts elevate this chow mein to a level beyond the ordinary. Savoring each bite not only satisfies the palate but also brings a sense of accomplishment, crafting a restaurant-quality experience from the comfort of your own kitchen.
In a mere 15 minutes, this straightforward recipe effortlessly comes together with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Start by tossing the bok choy in a vibrant seasoning mix, featuring sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Once thoroughly coated, take the bok choy to a hot grill, charring it until it achieves a golden and crispy perfection.
This Korean Rice Noodle Soup features a warming ginger-gochujang broth with a delightful mix of kimchi, bok choy, mushrooms, sesame, scallions, pear, and house-made rice noodles. It's perfect for keeping you cozy during winter and is gluten-free.
Are you a soup enthusiast always on the lookout for fresh ideas? Explore our curated selection of Quick and Easy Vegan Soup Recipes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
Baby bok choy kimchi is a type of kimchi that features baby bok choy as one of its main ingredients. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, typically cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other flavorful ingredients.
In the case of baby bok choy kimchi, the small, tender bok choy leaves are used as the base for the fermenting process. The dish undergoes fermentation, allowing the flavors to develop and giving the kimchi its characteristic tangy and spicy taste.
This dish is a vegetarian or vegan option that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients and is often enjoyed as a main course or served over rice. The tofu absorbs the rich and savory flavors of the soy-based sauce, while the baby bok choy adds a tender and slightly crisp texture.
The braising process infuses the tofu and baby bok choy with the delicious umami taste of the soy-based sauce, creating a satisfying and well-balanced dish.
Vegetarian laksa is a meat-free version of the popular Southeast Asian noodle soup known as laksa. This aromatic dish typically features a rich and spicy coconut milk-based broth infused with various herbs and spices.
In the vegetarian version, the absence of meat is compensated with a variety of plant-based ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Baby bok choy is often included in vegetarian laksa, adding a crisp and tender texture to the dish.
The marinade in this recipe serves a dual purpose by seasoning both the meat and the tender bok choy side dish. Begin by searing the vegetables in a hot pan with a mixture of olive oil and butter for a flavorful foundation.
After achieving an appealing sear on the bok choy, continue the cooking process by flipping the vegetables and adding the remaining marinade to the skillet. This melds the flavors and allows the sauce to reduce, resulting in a thoroughly seasoned and enjoyable dish. Serve and savor the flavors.
Author
Editor
Rojina Pokhrel
Rojina Pokhrel is a food enthusiast and writer who believes that every meal tells a story. With a deep love for traditional flavors and a curiosity for new tastes, she explores how food connects people, places, and memories. Her writing blends personal reflections with cultural insights, capturing the soul of recipes and the warmth of shared meals.
Whether she's documenting heirloom dishes or uncovering hidden culinary gems, Rojina brings heart, heritage, and a sense of wonder to every piece she writes.
