Bok choy glistens under a drizzle of savory sauce, its tender leaves ready to be devoured. This Easy Bok Choy With Garlic Soy Sauce takes just 15 minutes to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic and soy sauce elevates the vegetable, making it an irresistible side dish.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a quick and healthy green to their meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled proteins or as part of a vegetarian feast, this dish fits seamlessly into any dinner. It can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The bok choy remains tender-crisp with a satisfying texture.
- Garlic elevates the flavor with a delightful aroma.
- The sauce is a harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet.
- It comes together in under 15 minutes for a quick side dish.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this flavorful dish.
For the Bok Choy
- 2 lb bok choy, cut in half and washed
For the Cooking Liquid
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Sauce
- 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)
Vegetarian oyster sauce can be found in Asian grocery stores.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use regular oyster sauce if not vegetarian.
- Substitute bok choy with napa cabbage.
- Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a different flavor.
- Leave out Sichuan peppercorn for a milder sauce.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious dish.
Cut and wash bok choy
Cut the bok choy in half and wash it thoroughly. Set it aside to drain while you prepare the next steps.
Boil bok choy
Prepare a pot of boiling water and add salt and oil. Put the bok choy in the pot, cover, and let it boil for 2 minutes.
Drain bok choy
Carefully drain the bok choy and place it on a plate, allowing excess water to escape.
Prepare garlic
Cut the garlic into small pieces and set it aside for the sauce.
Mix sauce ingredients
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Mix them well.
Sauté garlic and simmer sauce
Heat a pan over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its aroma.
Combine and serve
Pour the sauce over the bok choy on the plate. Toss gently to coat evenly, and it’s ready to serve!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture changes when frozen.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overcooking the bok choy to retain its crunch.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside rice or noodles for a satisfying stir-fry.
- Enjoy as a vibrant side dish for Asian-inspired dinners.
