Stir-Fried Bok Choy is a simple, nutritious, and quick dish to prepare, perfect for a family of 4. Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor when cooked. Here’s a straightforward recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of bok choy (about 2 large heads)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon water or chicken/vegetable broth (optional, for steaming)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
- Clean the Bok Choy: Rinse the bok choy under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the base, then cut the bok choy into halves or quarters lengthwise, depending on their size. For larger leaves, you might want to cut them into more manageable pieces.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This will be used to flavor the bok choy during cooking.
- Cook Garlic and Ginger: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Add Bok Choy: Increase the heat to high, add the bok choy to the skillet, and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. The goal is to get the bok choy to start wilting but remain crisp. If your skillet is not large enough to accommodate all the bok choy at once, you may need to do this in batches.
- Add Liquid and Season: Pour in the prepared sauce and water or broth (if using) over the bok choy. The liquid will help steam the bok choy and create a sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve: Transfer the stir-fried bok choy to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish if desired, and serve immediately.
This stir-fried bok choy makes a great side dish to complement a variety of main courses, especially those with Asian flavors. It’s light, healthy, and brings a refreshing balance to any meal. Enjoy your cooking!
