If you’re looking for a vibrant, lightning-fast side dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress, Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger is the answer. Imagine crisp-tender baby bok choy, glistening with a savory soy glaze and infused with aromatic ginger and garlic. This simple yet sensational dish comes together in minutes but offers a world of fresh, punchy taste. Whether you’re brightening up a weeknight dinner or adding veggies to your favorite takeout-inspired meal, Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger brings a restaurant-quality bite right to your table.

Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to a short list of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a starring role. Simple, familiar components come together to create something extraordinary with minimal fuss. Don’t skip a thing—the secret is in the trifecta of aromatics and the umami-rich finish.

Canola Oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat oil for searing the bok choy and building flavor without overpowering the aromatics.
Fresh Ginger: Brings a warm, peppery zing, so try to use freshly minced for the brightest taste.
Garlic: Adds a savory punch; mince it finely for the best distribution of flavor.
Baby Bok Choy: The star of the show! Look for crisp, bright green leaves with firm white stalks.
Salt and Black Pepper (or Red Pepper Flakes): For essential seasoning and, if you like, a hint of heat.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Lends savory depth and an umami kick without overpowering with salt.
Sesame Oil (optional): A finishing drizzle gives a nutty, aromatic touch for extra complexity.

How to Make Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Giving the oil a moment to warm up ensures your aromatics will immediately start sizzling and infusing their flavors into the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Ginger and Garlic

Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to one minute. That wonderful aroma means your kitchen is about to smell incredible! Don’t let them brown—just cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Sear the Bok Choy

Arrange the baby bok choy cut-side down in the hot skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for about two minutes. This important step gives them beautiful caramelization on the tender inside, adding flavor and a bit of texture contrast.

Step 4: Season and Glaze

Flip each bok choy carefully, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper (or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat). Pour the soy sauce into the skillet, gently turning the bok choy to coat them in those salty, savory juices. Lower the heat to medium-low to keep everything aromatic and juicy.

Step 5: Steam and Finish

Cover the pan snugly and steam the bok choy for three to four minutes. If you notice the pan getting too dry, just add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep the greens tender and lush. When the bok choy is just fork-tender and glossy, uncover and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a final burst of flavor.

How to Serve Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger

Garnishes

Top your Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger with a handful of toasted sesame seeds, a scattering of thinly sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. These easy additions bring color, crunch, and spice, making the dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or a tangle of noodles. For heartier meals, serve alongside grilled chicken, tofu, or flaky broiled fish—the savory soy and aromatics go with just about anything!

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger family-style on a large, shallow serving dish, or nestle them among other colorful vegetables for a “rainbow” side. For a modern twist, slice the bok choy into bite-sized pieces and serve atop rice bowls or tucked into wraps for a casual lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about two days, retaining their flavor even if the texture softens slightly.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze cooked bok choy, the texture may become quite soft upon thawing. For the best eating experience, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated, rather than frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick, but keep an eye out so the greens don’t become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?

Absolutely! If you have full-sized bok choy, just slice it into quarters or smaller pieces, adjusting the cook time so the thicker stems become tender while the greens stay bright.

What’s the best way to clean bok choy?

Bok choy can hide grit or sand between its stalks. Separate the leaves and soak them in cold water, swishing gently, then rinse under running water for crisp, clean results.

Is Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger gluten free?

The only ingredient you’ll need to check is the soy sauce; choose a gluten-free version or use tamari if you want this dish to be entirely gluten free.

Can I add protein for a complete meal?

Definitely! This savory bok choy is delicious with sliced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh added in the last few minutes of cooking. Toss them with the sauce for a balanced, one-pan meal.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you love a little heat, stir in more red pepper flakes while sautéing the ginger and garlic, or add a drizzle of tangy chili oil before serving Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger. It’s endlessly customizable!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a side that’s this fresh, fragrant, and quick. Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger is destined to become your new go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting greens more often!

Quick Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for sautéed baby bok choy with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, finished with a hint of sesame oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 baby bok choy (sliced in half lengthwise)

Seasonings:

Salt and black pepper (or red pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the bok choy, cut side down, and sear for 2 minutes.
Turn each piece of bok choy over and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Add the soy sauce to the pan, turn to coat the bok choy and reduce the heat to medium low.
Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bok choy is tender. If your pan is drying out before the bok choy is done, add a splash of water or broth.
Drizzle with the sesame oil, if desired, and serve immediately.