As a working mom, finding time to prepare healthy meals can be a real challenge. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered this easy “Seasoned Baby Bok Choy” recipe. Bok choy has always been one of my favorite vegetables – I love its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. But I didn’t realize how quick and simple it would be to make a tasty bok choy dish from scratch.
With just a few basic ingredients from my pantry and fridge, I can whip up this nutrient-packed side in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to add some greens to weeknight chicken or fish dinners. And I don’t have to worry about my preschooler turning up her nose at this veggie – she gobbles it up!
I think what I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. I can customize it to suit our taste preferences on any given day. Sometimes we like more garlic, other times a little more soy sauce or sesame oil. I’ve even experimented with different spices like ginger or red pepper flakes for some extra zing.
The method couldn’t be more straightforward either. Just heat up some oil, throw in the chopped bok choy and seasonings, and stir occasionally until the leaves are wilted and stems are tender crisp. That’s it – no fancy techniques required.
Seasoned Baby Bok Choy Recipe
SEASONED BABY BOK CHOY
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound baby bok choy
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 sweet onion, sliced into strips
- 1 green chile, like jalapeño, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 2 scallions, cut into slivers
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make sure the bok choy is dry. Put it in a large bowl, and sprinkle it with the salt. Add room-temperature water to cover the bok choy. Soak for about 1 hour. Transfer to a colander in the sink and let drain for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, stir together the gochugaru, sesame oil, fish sauce, sugar, and garlic.
- Add the bok choy to the sauce mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Add the onion, jalapeño, bell pepper, scallions, and sesame seeds and mix everything together well.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
Seasoned baby bok choy is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be prepared in many tasty ways. When cooking this vegetable, it’s important to follow some key tips to bring out its best flavor and texture.
To reduce any potential bitterness, use a cold wok and cold oil when stir-frying the bok choy. Keeping the cooking temperature lower helps prevent bitter compounds from developing. Baby bok choy can also be eaten raw in salads or other dishes, which preserves more of its crisp texture and vitamins.
When cooking baby bok choy, the white stems and green leaves can both be consumed. The stems can be chopped and sautéed, while the leaves also wilt down nicely when stir-fried or added to soups. Leaving some crunch in the stems while lightly cooking the leaves creates an enjoyable contrast of textures.
I personally love to season baby bok choy with aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari, and a touch of honey or mirin. These flavors complement the vegetable’s own mellow sweetness. Stir-frying or steaming the bok choy quickly preserves its bright green color too.
Cooking with positive emotions like happiness and cheerfulness can impart those feelings into the food, making it more nourishing. So preparing this recipe in a calm, focused state of mind helps create a dish others will enjoy. Following recipe instructions carefully also leads to better results.
Using cooking to connect with others conversationally, or to simply savor some quiet solitude, can make the process more meaningful. Additionally, being polite and considerate when serving the bok choy, such as waiting until everyone is served before eating, demonstrates good manners.
Serving Suggestions
Baby bok choy, with its mild flavor and versatile nature, proves to be a delightful addition to various Asian-inspired dishes. Its compatibility with different flavors and textures makes it a favorite in the culinary world. For a delectable stir-fry, combine baby bok choy with yakisoba noodles, carrots, garlic, and sesame oil, creating a satisfying contrast between the crunchy greens and soft noodles. In miso soup, thinly sliced baby bok choy gently wilts in the last minutes of cooking, harmonizing its mild taste with the umami-rich broth. Sautéed with chicken, onions, and eggs, baby bok choy serves as a fresh and textural topping for Japanese oyakodon. Additionally, it complements miso ramen, adding a delightful crunch when added to the hot broth just before serving. In cheese ramen, the bok choy’s freshness and crunch enhance the rich, creamy broth without overpowering the cheesy flavor. As the star ingredient in a simple Asian-inspired soup, baby bok choy, when combined with chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, and optional mushrooms or tofu, creates a wholesome and flavorful meal. In essence, experiment with incorporating baby bok choy into your favorite recipes to enjoy its unique contribution of freshness, color, and nutrients to various Asian noodle dishes, soups, and stir-fries.
FAQs of Seasoned Baby Bok Choy
Share the joy of cooking with friends by sharing our Seasoned Baby Bok Choy recipe
- Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy? Absolutely! While baby bok choy’s delicate size and flavor are exceptional, you can use regular bok choy. Adjust cooking times accordingly for the best results.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Indeed, you can. Prepare the seasoned baby bok choy in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving.
- Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Absolutely. This dish is vegetarian and can be easily adapted for a vegan diet by using plant-based oil and omitting any non-vegan garnishes.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or other spicy elements to your taste preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Place any leftover seasoned baby bok choy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the culinary versatility of baby bok choy transforms it into a culinary gem, elevating the flavors and textures of Asian-inspired dishes. Whether it’s enhancing the crunchiness of yakisoba noodles, contributing to the savory richness of miso soup, or adding a fresh element to cheese ramen, this mild and adaptable vegetable proves to be a delightful ingredient. As you embark on your culinary adventures, consider exploring the endless possibilities of incorporating baby bok choy into your favorite recipes. For more inspiration and diverse culinary ideas, visit Food And Meal at foodandmeal.com. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and discover how baby bok choy can effortlessly elevate the freshness, color, and nutritional value of your meals, making every dining experience a true delight.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.