Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fried bok choy recipe featuring a savory garlic oyster sauce. This dish is perfect as a healthy side or light main, bringing tender crisp bok choy coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce made with garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb bok choy (baby bok choy or regular bok choy)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bok choy: Thoroughly wash the bok choy to remove any dirt or grit. If using baby bok choy, halve or quarter them lengthwise; for regular bok choy, chop into bite-sized pieces including both stalks and leafy parts.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Cook bok choy: Add the prepared bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt and the stalks turn bright green and start to become tender.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. If using cornstarch to thicken, dissolve it in the water before mixing.
- Add sauce to bok choy: Pour the sauce mixture over the bok choy in the skillet. Stir well to coat evenly. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the bok choy is tender but still crisp.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- To add more depth of flavor, use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch is recommended; skip it for a lighter texture.
- This dish cooks quickly—avoid overcooking bok choy to keep its crisp texture.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light vegetarian main when paired with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
