Making baby bok choy at home is so simple, but many of us have only enjoyed it at a Chinese or other Asian restaurant. Seared and then quickly braised, it’s lush and silky and delicate and just lovely. Baby bok choy is a very versatile vegetable. It can be sliced and sautéed, it’s great in soups, it can be steamed, and it’s lovely braised whole or halved. It’s also great in stir fries.
This is a simple vegan side dish that will round out an Asian influenced meal, though frankly I could just eat the whole pound of bok choy on its own and call it a day. This is one of Gary’s most-loved vegetables made in his favorite way, so whenever I can add it to an Asian meal, I do.
If you live near a Chinatown, you can always find these adorable little boy choy heads. They are also available at many well-stocked supermarkets, and if not you can always order them here. And if not, just buy the bigger heads of bok choy, and make this version. Slightly less adorable, but equally delicious.
Choy sum, which is very similar to bok choy, can also be used in this recipe.
How to Prepare Bok Choy
Choose heads with full, dark leaves, and white stalks with no brown spots. Use as soon as possible and keep in the refrigerator, unwashed, in a plastic bag for no more than 5 days.
Before using, halve the bok choy lengthwise and rinse it well under cold running water, making sure to gently separate the leaves to get any dirt out.
How to Cook Baby Bok Choy: Seared and then quickly braised, this vegan Asian-inspired recipe is lush and silky and delicate and just lovely.
Tweet This
How to Make Baby Bok Choy
The super easy braising liquid turns into a sauce that is flavorful and aromatic, and the bok choy braised on the stovetop turns silky but retains its texture. This is really nice served over rice to soak up all of the sauce. It’s also a great addition to an Asian rice bowl.
In a large saucepan heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the bok choy, cut side down. Sear for about 3 minutes without moving until the underside has started to turn golden brown.
In a small bowl combine the broth, soy sauce, ginger and garlic, and pour into the pan. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Cover and simmer for about 6 minutes until the bok choy is tender but not mushy.
Remove the bok choy using tongs to a shallow serving bowl and return the pot with the braising liquid to medium high heat. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Add the sesame oil and pour the sauce over the bok choy in the platter.
Garnish with scallions if desired.
Other Bok Choy Recipes:
- Angel Hair “Ramen” with Shiitake Mushrooms, Tofu, Baby Bok Choy, and Scallions
- Asian Bok Choy
- Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry
Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest.
Pin This
How to Cook Baby Bok Choy
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound baby bok choy
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger see Note
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Sliced scallions to garnish, optional
Directions
- Halve the bok choy lengthwise and rinse it well under cold running water, making sure to gently separate the leaves to get any dirt out.
- In a large saucepan heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the bok choy, cut side down and sear for about 3 minutes without moving until the underside has started to turn golden brown.
- In a small bowl combine the broth, soy sauce, ginger and garlic, and pour into the pan. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Cover and simmer for about 6 minutes until the bok choy is tender but not mushy.
- Remove the bok choy using tongs to a shallow serving bowl and return the pot with the braising liquid to medium high heat. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to ⅓ to ½ cup, then add the sesame oil and pour the sauce over the bok choy in the platter. Garnish with scallions if desired.
The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
Made this recipe? Post a photo of your delicious creation on Instagram with our hashtag #dinnersolved
