Garlic Bok Choy is an easy, healthy, and flavorful side dish that comes together in under 10 minutes. The tender, crisp bok choy is coated in a glossy, umami-packed garlic sauce that perfectly complements any Asian-inspired meal. I love making this dish when I want something quick yet impressive—it’s light, savory, and full of fresh flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet satisfying this garlic bok choy recipe is. It uses just a handful of pantry staples but delivers a restaurant-quality side dish. The sauce is rich and garlicky, the bok choy stays perfectly tender-crisp, and the entire dish is ready in just 10 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, and can easily be customized with extra spice or protein.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ lb bok choy, sliced in half
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
8 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
I bring a pot of water to a boil with the salt, then blanch the bok choy for 1 minute. I quickly remove it and set it aside so it stays crisp and vibrant.
I mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil to create the flavorful sauce.
In a skillet, I heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then I add the sauce mixture and simmer it until it thickens.
I place the bok choy on a serving plate and pour the thickened garlic sauce over it. It’s ready to serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes just 10 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for when I want a healthy side dish without spending much time in the kitchen.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes:
For a spicy version, I drizzle some garlic chili oil or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To make it a complete meal, I toss in some tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken.
For a heartier dish, I stir-fry it with mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby corn.
If I’m craving a little crunch, I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover garlic bok choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I microwave it covered for 1–2 minutes until warm, or I reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Is garlic bok choy healthy?
Yes, I find garlic bok choy to be a very nutritious side dish. Bok choy is low in calories but packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. Garlic also adds antioxidants and immune-boosting benefits.
Can I use baby bok choy instead of regular bok choy?
Absolutely! I often use baby bok choy for a slightly sweeter and more tender texture. The cooking time remains about the same—just 1 minute for blanching.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, I simply replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to make it completely vegetarian-friendly.
How do I keep bok choy from turning soggy?
I always blanch the bok choy briefly—just 1 minute—and then drain it right away. Overcooking makes it wilt and lose its crunch. Quick cooking keeps it tender-crisp and bright green.
What can I serve with garlic bok choy?
I like pairing it with rice dishes such as egg-fried rice or beef fried rice, or with noodle dishes like lo mein or dan dan noodles. It also goes great with stir-fried chicken, beef, or tofu.
Conclusion
This Garlic Bok Choy recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring fresh, flavorful vegetables to the table. I love how quickly it comes together, how the garlicky sauce perfectly coats each leaf, and how it pairs effortlessly with so many dishes. Whether I’m making a simple weeknight dinner or serving guests, this easy, savory side dish never disappoints.
Garlic Bok Choy is a quick and healthy Asian-style side dish featuring crisp-tender bok choy topped with a garlicky, umami-rich sauce. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as an accompaniment to rice and noodles.
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 ½ lb bok choy, sliced in half
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
8 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil with the salt and blanch bok choy for 1 minute. Remove and set aside.
Mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, bouillon powder, and sesame oil.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and simmer until it thickens.
Place bok choy on a serving plate and pour the garlic sauce over. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add chili oil or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in tofu, shrimp, or chicken for a complete meal.
Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby corn for more variety.
