Sesame Ginger Bok Choy Recipe

Sesame ginger bok choy is a quick Chinese-inspired side dish that transforms this crisp, mild green into something fragrant and deeply savory. Ready in under 15 minutes, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or any grilled protein. Each serving is only 90 calories, vegan, and low-carb, making it one of the most efficient vegetable sides you can make.

Ingredients

• 500g baby bok choy (about 4-6 heads), halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp water or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 0.5 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash bok choy halves thoroughly, especially between the leaves where dirt can hide. Pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, mix tamari, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if using. Set aside.
3. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes.
4. Add sesame oil and swirl to coat. It will smoke slightly.
5. Add bok choy cut side down in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the cut side is golden and slightly charred.
6. Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the water or broth to deglaze and create steam.
8. Add the tamari mixture and toss to coat.
9. Cover the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until the stems are just tender but still crisp and bright green.
10. Transfer to a plate and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Do not overcook the bok choy. It should retain a slight crunch and its bright green color.
• For extra richness, add 1 tsp of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce with the tamari.
• Regular-sized bok choy works too. Just quarter it lengthwise and add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• The charred cut side adds incredible flavor. Resist the urge to move the bok choy too early.
• This dish does not hold well. Serve immediately after cooking for best texture.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 90 kcal

Protein: 2.7g

Fat: 7.4g

Carbs: 4.7g

Fiber: 1.6g

Track It with Nutrify

Tracking Sesame Ginger Bok Choy is easy with Nutrify's AI-powered food scanner. Just snap a photo of your plate and get instant calorie and macro data. Download Nutrify to start tracking smarter.