By Jessica B. •
11 min read
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and quick meals, spicy garlic bok choy might just become your new favorite side dish. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms tender baby bok choy into a vibrant dish with a kick, thanks to the delightful combination of fresh garlic and Korean red chili flakes. In just 10 minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a great way to sneak more greens into your diet.
Bok choy, a staple in Chinese cuisine, absorbs the rich, spicy garlic sauce beautifully, making each bite a burst of flavor. While this spicy version isn’t common in many Chinese restaurants, it’s incredibly easy to whip up at home. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and your favorite protein. Whether you’re meal prepping or just looking for a quick veggie fix, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients And Alternatives
Crafting the perfect spicy garlic bok choy relies on a blend of bold and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some alternatives if you have specific dietary requirements or prefer different flavors.
- Chili Oil or Chili Crisp in Oil: Use either store-bought or homemade based on personal preference. Garlic chili sauce can be a substitute if needed. It’s best to avoid sriracha or generic hot sauce for this particular recipe to maintain the authentic flavor profile.
- Regular Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium or light soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or any gluten-free soy sauce will do the trick.
- Sesame Oil: This is crucial for an authentic taste, but toasted sesame seeds can serve as a substitute. If you’re allergic to sesame, it’s okay to skip this ingredient altogether.
- Shaoxing Wine: A staple in Chinese cooking for its depth of flavor, which can be replaced with dry sherry. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative, any flavorful broth can be used instead.
- White Granulated Sugar: A small amount helps balance the flavors by countering the saltiness.
By procuring these ingredients, most of which can be found in Asian grocery stores or online retailers, you’re well on your way to creating an exquisite spicy garlic bok choy dish.
Tips From Experts
To master the art of spicy garlic bok choy, it is crucial to focus on technique and ingredient quality. Here are several expert tips to elevate your dish:
- Select Fresh Bok Choy: Always choose bok choy with bright green leaves and crisp, firm stalks. Fresh vegetables will absorb flavors better and provide a delightful crisp texture.
- Master the Stir-Fry: High heat and quick cooking are key. Heat the pan until it’s hot before adding ingredients to sear them properly, locking in flavors and maintaining the bok choy’s crunchy texture.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the spice level to match your preference. Start with a small amount of chili oil and taste as you go. You can gradually add more if you desire a spicier kick.
- Use Shaoxing Wine Wisely: This ingredient provides a depth of flavor, but if you can’t find it, a dry sherry or rice vinegar can be an effective substitute. Keep it to a small splash to enhance rather than overpower the dish.
- Control the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic and be wary of overcooking it. Burnt garlic can introduce an unwanted bitter taste, so stir lightly until it turns golden and fragrant.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Elevate the dish by adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top right before serving to introduce an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
By following these insights from experts, you can ensure your spicy garlic bok choy is nothing short of restaurant quality.
Preparation Instructions
To create the perfect spicy garlic bok choy, follow these detailed steps for a quick and delicious side dish:
- Clean the Bok Choy: Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. If using baby bok choy, leave them whole or halve them lengthwise depending on their size.
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure 2 tablespoons of chili oil or chili crisp, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine. Mince 3 cloves of garlic, to pack each bite with flavor, and mix 1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar with the sauces to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large, non-stick skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chili oil or chili crisp, letting it quickly warm for about 20 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Bok Choy: Toss in the cleaned bok choy. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the leaves begin to wilt but maintain a vibrant green color.
- Pour the Sauce: Carefully add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine mixture to the skillet. Stir-fry all the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2 minutes. Ensure the bok choy is tender but retains some crunchiness.
- Final Touch: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more chili oil if desired. Before serving, sprinkle optional garnishes like sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Serve the spicy garlic bok choy hot, paired perfectly with a bowl of steaming rice or alongside your favorite protein. Enjoy the delightful combination of spice, garlic, and tender greens.
How To Store
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of spicy garlic bok choy. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. This prevents moisture and air from affecting the texture and taste. Store the container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you plan on storing it for a longer period, freezing is the best option. First, ensure the bok choy is completely cooled to avoid condensation inside the container which can cause freezer burn. Place the bok choy in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw frozen bok choy in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, use a pan over medium heat to gently warm the dish. This helps preserve the texture and flavors, ensuring that each bite is as delightful as the first time you made it. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the bok choy soggy and lose its characteristic crunch.
Suggested Pairings
Pairing spicy garlic bok choy with complementary dishes can transform your meal into a delightful culinary experience. I have found that the robust flavors of this side dish blend remarkably well with various cuisines, enhancing both the savory and spicy elements.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant bowl of jasmine rice acts as the perfect canvas to soak up the rich garlic sauce. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture balance the spice, making it a staple accompaniment.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory profile of teriyaki chicken contrasts beautifully with the spice of the bok choy, providing a harmonious blend of flavors. Consider marinating chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce, grilling until charred, and serving alongside for a satisfying meal.
- Szechuan Beef or Tofu: To add a fiery layer of taste, pair your bok choy with Szechuan-style beef or tofu. The numbing spices and soy-based sauce will enhance the garlic and chili elements, creating an unforgettable spicy feast.
- Egg Drop Soup: As a soothing starter, egg drop soup’s subtle broth and silky eggs are excellent for balancing the heat. This effortless soup highlights traditional Chinese flavors and compliments the intense notes of the bok choy.
Using these pairings not only enhances the meal but also provides variety in texture and taste, allowing the spicy garlic bok choy to shine on your dining table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. To make the spicy garlic bok choy less spicy, you can reduce or omit the chili oil. Using a smaller quantity of chili crisp or substituting with a non-spicy oil will still give you the garlic flavor without the heat. Also consider adding more soy sauce or sesame oil to balance the flavor.
What type of bok choy should I use?
Either baby bok choy or mature bok choy works well in this recipe. Baby bok choy has tender leaves and a milder taste, while mature bok choy provides a stronger flavor and a more pronounced crunch. Choose based on your personal preference or availability.
Is there an alternative to Shaoxing wine?
Yes, you can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or mirin. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, vegetable broth or apple juice are suitable alternatives. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness accordingly to maintain the dish’s balance.
How do I avoid making the bok choy soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure the bok choy is thoroughly dried after washing. When cooking, use high heat to stir-fry quickly, keeping the bok choy crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan which traps steam and causes sogginess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare spicy garlic bok choy ahead. Cook it just shy of being done and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in a hot pan before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
Should I use fresh garlic or can I use garlic powder instead?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the most robust flavor and aroma. However, if fresh garlic is unavailable, use garlic powder as a substitute, starting with a smaller amount and adjusting to taste.
Quick 10-Minute Spicy Garlic Bok Choy
Ingredients
- 1 pound of bok choy, rinsed and halved lengthwise if large
- 2 tablespoons chili oil or chili crisp
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular, low-sodium, or gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry/substitute)
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: First, I ensure my bok choy is thoroughly rinsed and any grime is removed. If the bok choy is large, I halve it lengthwise for even cooking.
- Heat Pan: In a large skillet or wok, I heat the chili oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This provides a robust base for our dish, infusing the oil with a spicy aroma.
- Cook Garlic: Adding the minced garlic to the pan, I sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn by keeping a close eye on it.
- Add Bok Choy: I place the bok choy into the pan, cut side down, in a single layer. I let it cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown and then toss it to coat it in the oil and garlic.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. This mixture will create the flavorful sauce that complements the bok choy perfectly.
- Pour Sauce: I pour the sauce mixture over the bok choy in the pan, stirring to combine the bok choy thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Adjust Heat: Reducing the heat to medium, I cover the pan and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the bok choy is tender yet retains a slight crunch.
- Final Touches: After tasting, I adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. For a touch more heat, an additional drizzle of chili oil can be added.
- Serve: I transfer the spicy garlic bok choy to a serving platter hot, garnishing it optionally with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
I’d love to hear how your spicy garlic bok choy turned out and any tweaks you made to suit your taste. Whether you paired it with a favorite dish or enjoyed it on its own, your insights can inspire others. Feel free to share your experience and any questions you might have in the comments below. Your feedback helps create a community of food lovers who can share tips and tricks. So don’t hesitate to join the conversation and let me know what you think of this flavorful side dish.
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