Garlic Baby Bok Choy Stir-Fry with Sesame Seeds Recipe
This quick and flavorful Bok Choy Stir-Fry is a simple, healthy side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh baby bok choy is pan-seared with garlic and seasoned with sea salt, then optionally finished with toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a delightful crunch and a touch of spice. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe highlights the crisp texture and subtle sweetness of bok choy, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb baby bok choy
- 0.5 oz garlic cloves, finely minced (about 4 medium cloves)
Oils & Seasoning
- 1.5 tbsp avocado oil
- 0.5 tsp coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bok choy: Slice the baby bok choy in half lengthwise. If using medium-sized bok choy, quarter them; for large bok choy, dice into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt between the stalks, then set aside to drain and pat dry before cooking.
- Preheat the pan: Heat a large 12-inch sauté pan over medium heat until you can feel gentle warmth just above the surface, indicating the pan is ready for cooking.
- Cook the bok choy: Add avocado oil to the pan and place the bok choy cut side down. Sear the bok choy without moving for about 3 minutes until you hear a consistent sizzling sound. If sizzling is faint, increase the heat slightly.
- Add seasonings and stir-fry: Sprinkle coarse sea salt and minced garlic over the bok choy. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the leaves are wilted and the stalks remain crisp. Ensure the pan does not become overly watery during this process.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bok choy from the pan. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if using, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for added flavor and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the size of bok choy cuts depending on their size for even cooking.
- Ensure the bok choy is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent excess water from steaming the vegetables instead of searing.
- For a nuttier flavor, add toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking rather than the beginning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed sauté pan or cast iron skillet for best heat retention and even cooking.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and red pepper flakes add texture and mild heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
