Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful side dish that comes together in minutes, stir-fried baby bok choy is the perfect addition to your weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients—garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce—this dish brings bold flavor to your table while keeping things fresh and family-friendly.
Have you ever had bok choy? Its like a cross between a cabbage and celery – and is often called Chinese Cabbage! Its crispy but tender with a mild flavor. This veggie has been cultivated in China for thousands of years and is hugely popular in Korea, and throughout Southeast Asia, but its one that not many American kids have tried.
This recipe is a great way to introduce kids to this new vegetable in a simple and delicious way. The tender greens and mild crunch of bok choy make it an easy win, even for picky eaters!
Why you’ll love this simple side dish
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need bok choy, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil!
- Kid-friendly: A mild, slightly sweet flavor with a fun texture.
- Pairs with everything: Great with rice, noodles, or as a side for your favorite stir-fry.
Discover Your Next Culinary Adventure
Love this quick and easy side dish? Try these other globally inspired side dish recipes:
- Mexican Street Corn – Quick and easy, but so much great flavor! You will be looking for excuses to make this!
- French Carrot Salad – a super fun way to serve carrots! Simple, sweet and tangy!
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad – Easy and flavorful, this side dish is a great addition to meals.
How to make this recipe
Here is a brief overview of how to make the recipe so you know how to fit this into your meal plan. For the full set of instructions, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Prep the Bok Choy: Rinse the baby bok choy well, making sure to remove any dirt between the leaves. Pat dry and cut in half lengthwise.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir-Fry the Bok Choy: Add the baby bok choy to the pan, cut-side down. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and water, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bok choy is tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy immediately!
How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen
Stir-fried bok choy is a great dish for getting kids involved in cooking! Here are a few ways they can help:
- Wash the Bok Choy: Let little hands help rinse and pat dry the leaves.
- Measure & Mix: Older kids can measure out the soy sauce and water.
- Smash the Garlic: A fun and safe way for kids to help is by using the back of a spoon to crush garlic before an adult minces it.
How to serve this side dish
This bok choy is simple and flavorful, and pairs so well with so many different dishes. Try it with a main dish like orange chicken or sticky ribs , or just serve it with some grilled chicken and rice for a simple meal that isn’t boring.
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Stir Fry Baby Bok Choy
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby bok choy
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the baby bok choy and wash in between the leaves to make sure all the dirt and debris is washed away. Its ok if they fall apart into individual leaves.1 lb baby bok choy
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with the sesame oil.2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- Place the bok choy in the skillet and sauté until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and allow it to sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.3 garlic cloves
- Pour in the soy sauce and water and stir to coat, cooking for 1 additional minute. The bok choy should be tender but still have some bite to it and the leaves should be mostly wilted.1 Tablespoon soy sauce, 1 Tablespoon water
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
