I’m so excited to share this Garlic Bok Choy recipe with you today! There’s something magical about the combination of crisp-tender bok choy leaves and that savory garlic sauce that just transports me straight to my favorite Asian restaurant. The best part? You can create this authentic flavor at home in just 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Want to know my secret trick for getting that perfect restaurant-quality texture without any special equipment? Let’s get into it.
Why You’ll Love this Garlic Bok Choy
Whether you’re a veggie enthusiast or just looking to add more greens to your dinner table, this garlic bok choy recipe will win you over immediately. The vibrant green leaves stay perfectly crisp-tender, while the savory garlic sauce clings to every bite. I can’t get enough of how the oyster sauce, soy, and sesame oil create that authentic Asian restaurant flavor at home.
What makes it truly special? It’s ready in under 15 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and pairs with practically anything. Rice, noodles, protein—this versatile side complements them all beautifully.
What Ingredients are in Garlic Bok Choy?
This garlic bok choy recipe uses straightforward ingredients that create incredible flavor with minimal effort.
- 1.5 pounds of bok choy
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ tablespoon corn starch
- ½ tablespoon salt (for blanching water)
For the best results, try to use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties, and don’t substitute the Shaoxing wine if possible—it adds that authentic restaurant-quality flavor that makes this dish so special.
How to Make this Garlic Bok Choy
Step 1: Clean and Trim the Bok Choy
Start with 1.5 pounds of bok choy, giving it a thorough rinse to remove any dirt hiding between the leaves. Trim the base to separate the stalks, but leave enough so they stay intact at the bottom. Slow cooking enthusiasts might appreciate how this preparation method works perfectly with various kitchen appliances.
Step 2: Blanch the Bok Choy
Fill a pot with water, add ½ tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Drop your bok choy in for just 1-2 minutes until it turns bright green, then immediately transfer to cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, ½ cup chicken stock, and ½ tablespoon corn starch. Whisk until everything is well incorporated with no lumps.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Heat 1 teaspoon of avocado oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add 10 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 15 seconds until fragrant—any longer and you’ll risk burning it, which would ruin the entire dish.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
Pour your sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and gets that glossy sheen we’re looking for.
Step 6: Arrange and Serve
Drain your blanched bok choy thoroughly and arrange it neatly on a serving plate. Pour the hot garlic sauce evenly over the bok choy, making sure to coat all pieces. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and the bok choy maintains its crisp-tender texture.
Step 7: Final Touch
For a restaurant-quality presentation, you might want to arrange the bok choy with all the stems pointing in the same direction. This isn’t just for looks—it also guarantees each piece gets properly coated with that incredible garlic sauce.
What to Serve with Garlic Bok Choy
This garlicky green side dish is the perfect dinner companion for so many Asian-inspired meals. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice and teriyaki salmon for a complete meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also wonderful alongside some simple pork dumplings or crispy tofu with a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
For a more substantial dinner, serve your bok choy with a bowl of egg drop soup and some classic beef and broccoli. Need a revitalizing drink to balance that umami-rich garlic sauce? A cold Tsingtao beer or unsweetened iced green tea cuts through the richness perfectly. The best part? This versatile veggie complements nearly any protein without stealing the spotlight.
Garlic Bok Choy Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Add-ins: Toss in some crispy tofu cubes, sliced mushrooms, or water chestnuts for extra texture.
- Garnish Ideas: Finish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or crispy fried shallots for that restaurant-quality presentation.
Leftovers and Storage for this Garlic Bok Choy
This bok choy dish is truly at its prime when served immediately after cooking. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—though I wouldn’t push it much further than that.
When reheating, a quick 30-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but for best results, give it a brief stir-fry in a hot pan to revive that wonderful texture. The sauce tends to thicken considerably when cold, so you might want to add a tiny splash of water or chicken stock while reheating.
For best outcomes, consider storing the blanched bok choy and sauce separately if possible. This prevents the vegetables from becoming waterlogged and soggy overnight—nobody wants that sad, mushy texture, right?
Final Thoughts
This garlic bok choy brings together the perfect balance of fresh vegetables and savory depth. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients creating layers of flavor through that irresistible garlic sauce. It’s an ideal side dish for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious on the table without much fuss, yet impressive enough for dinner parties where you want to add a touch of homemade Asian cuisine. The bright green bok choy against the rich amber sauce creates not just a feast for your palate, but for your eyes as well. Sometimes the most straightforward dishes are the ones we return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Garlic Bok Choy Recipe Gluten-Free?
No, I wouldn’t consider this recipe gluten-free because both oyster sauce and soy sauce typically contain gluten. You’ll need to substitute these with certified gluten-free versions to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I Prepare Components of This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare ahead! I’d suggest mincing the garlic and mixing the sauce components earlier in the day. Just blanch the bok choy and complete the final cooking right before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Bok Choy Thoroughly?
I recommend separating each bok choy leaf and rinsing thoroughly under running water, focusing on the base where dirt collects. You can also soak them in cold water for 5 minutes before rinsing again.
How Spicy Is This Dish and Can I Adjust Heat Levels?
This dish isn’t spicy at all. If you’d like heat, I’d recommend adding red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies during the garlic frying step. You’ll control the spice level perfectly that way.
Is Baby Bok Choy or Regular Bok Choy Better for This Recipe?
I prefer baby bok choy for its tenderness and prettier presentation, but regular bok choy has a more pronounced crunch. The recipe will taste delicious with whichever variety you choose.