Name: Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: ½ pound baby bok choy; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil; ½ tablespoon soy sauce; ½ tablespoon Chinese mushroom sauce; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 45 reviews

If you love vibrant, fresh greens with a savory punch, then you are going to adore this Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe. It is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the delicate crispness of baby bok choy together with the rich umami of soy and mushroom sauces, all elevated by the aroma of fresh garlic. Perfect as a side or a light centerpiece, this recipe transforms a humble vegetable into something irresistibly delicious and beautifully simple to whip up any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds several ingredients arranged in neat rows: on the right, three large bright green bok choy with thick pale green stems and wide leaves, on the left, at the top, a dark brown sauce in a small black ceramic bowl, below it, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, followed by another small white bowl with a slightly thicker dark sauce, a white ceramic spoon holding black pepper next to two small peeled garlic cloves, and at the bottom left, a small square white dish filled with light-colored sesame seeds, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, aroma, or depth of flavor, making the dish balanced and satisfying without fuss.

Baby bok choy (½ pound): Fresh and tender, this leafy green provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
Canola or vegetable oil (2 teaspoons): A neutral oil ideal for high-heat stir-frying, allowing the garlic and bok choy flavors to shine.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant, pungent boost that pairs perfectly with the savory sauces.
Soy sauce (½ tablespoon): Offers the essential salty, umami-rich seasoning that ties the dish together.
Chinese mushroom sauce (½ tablespoon): Adds a deeper, earthier flavor slightly sweeter than soy sauce, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a nice visual touch.
Salt and pepper: Adjusts seasoning to your taste without overpowering the natural flavors.
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding a pinch will give your bok choy a gentle kick.

How to Make Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Baby Bok Choy

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and prepare a separate bowl of ice water. Blanch the baby bok choy for just one minute; this quick dunk softens the greens slightly while keeping their lovely crispness and vibrant green color intact. Immediately transfer the bok choy to the ice bath to halt the cooking process, then drain and pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels. This step ensures your greens stay fresh and crisp when stir-fried.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat your choice of canola or vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant but not burnt. This quick cooking unlocks the garlic’s aromatic oils and infuses the oil with flavor, which will coat the bok choy perfectly.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Bok Choy

Now, add the blanched baby bok choy to the skillet. Toss it in the garlicky oil, making sure every piece is coated. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the bok choy just starts to brown slightly, creating a lovely contrast in both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Season with Soy and Mushroom Sauces

Pour in the soy sauce and Chinese mushroom sauce, then continue tossing and stirring the bok choy for another minute. These sauces cling to the greens, infusing them with savory umami goodness. Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the bok choy to a serving dish.

Step 5: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, and sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top. Now, your Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe is ready to impress.

How to Serve Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe

A black cast iron skillet sits on a white marbled surface, holding four whole bok choy arranged side by side with their light green bulbs at the bottom and darker green leaves pointing upward. Small pieces of chopped garlic scatter in the center beneath the bok choy, contrasting with the smooth skillet surface. The skillet handle extends downwards from the bottom center of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances texture but also brings a warm nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the garlic-soy flavor profile. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a stimulating contrast. Freshly chopped scallions or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also lift the dish’s aroma and color.

Side Dishes

This Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe makes a perfect companion to a variety of meals. Think fluffy steamed jasmine rice or comforting bowls of noodles. It also pairs beautifully with grilled or pan-seared proteins like salmon, chicken, or tofu, adding a bright and fresh component to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bok choy over a warm bed of quinoa or farro for an earthy base. You can toss the finished greens with some roasted cashews or sliced almonds to introduce a crunchy element. Wrapping the bok choy in lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauces turns this side into a fun appetizer or light lunch option. Presentation and mixing textures make eating this simple dish extra exciting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days and keep most of its flavor and texture if refrigerated properly.

Freezing

Because bok choy is a delicate green, it is not ideal for freezing as it may become watery and mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a short period.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bok choy in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or additional soy sauce. Stir-fry gently just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, a quick microwave heat for about 30 seconds works well but be mindful not to dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?

Absolutely! Regular bok choy works fine, but because it is larger and tougher, you may want to increase the blanching time slightly and slice the stems to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

What is Chinese mushroom sauce?

Chinese mushroom sauce is a dark, savory condiment made from shiitake mushrooms that adds an earthy umami flavor similar to soy sauce but with a slightly sweeter and richer profile. It enhances the taste of many stir-fry dishes perfectly.

Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan as long as you use mushroom-based sauces without any animal-derived ingredients. Just double-check your soy sauce and mushroom sauce labels to be sure.

How can I add more flavor to this recipe?

Try incorporating fresh ginger alongside the garlic, or splash in a little rice vinegar or chili oil at the end for an extra zing. Adding toasted nuts or a sprinkle of green onions also brightens the flavors wonderfully.

Is it necessary to blanch the bok choy first?

Blanching helps retain the bright color and crisp texture while removing any bitterness. It’s not strictly required but highly recommended for the best texture and flavor balance in this Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Garlic Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s brilliant for busy weeknights when you want a quick side that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. I truly encourage you to try it soon and fall in love with the fresh, vibrant greens combined with the deep savory tones—you’ll find it hard to go back to plain steamed veggies again!