Garlic Soy Glazed Bok Choy

Total Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Intensity: Easy

Description:
Transform humble bok choy into a stunning, restaurant-quality side dish in just 15 minutes. This Garlic Soy Glazed Bok Choy recipe features tender-crisp greens coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce with a hint of aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for a special dinner, this recipe is a versatile, healthy, and lightning-fast addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) baby bok choy (2-3 bunches)

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish

• 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok with lid

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk or fork

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bok Choy

Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water, as grit often hides in the stems. Trim off the very bottom of the core, but leave the heads intact. For larger baby bok choy, you can slice them in half lengthwise. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and water until the honey is fully dissolved. Set this glaze aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. If using, add red pepper flakes now.

Step 4: Cook the Bok Choy

Add the prepared bok choy to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and coat it in the aromatic oil. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute to get a slight sear. Then, add the prepared glaze to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat.

Step 5: Steam to Tenderness

Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the bok choy steam for 3-4 minutes. This allows the stems to become tender while the leaves gently wilt.

Step 6: Finish the Glaze

Remove the lid. The liquid will have reduced slightly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that coats the greens. The bok choy is done when the stems are tender-crisp (pierceable with a fork) and the leaves are vibrant green and wilted.

Step 7: Final Touches & Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the top and give one final gentle toss. Transfer the glazed bok choy to a serving platter, pouring any extra sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Protein Power-Up: Add a protein directly to this dish. Sauté 8 oz of sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or cubed tofu in the skillet before the aromatics. Remove, then proceed with the recipe and add the protein back in with the glaze to warm through.

• Sauce Consistency: For a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture in Step 2.

• Alternative Greens: This glaze works wonderfully with other hearty greens like broccolini, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or even thick asparagus spears. Adjust steaming time as needed.

• Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, though the texture is best when fresh.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~110

• Total Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: ~480mg (varies with soy sauce)

• Total Carbohydrates: 9g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 3g

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a database and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portions. For precise dietary needs, consider calculating with your exact ingredients.

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.