This Restaurant Style Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce is a quick, simple, and flavorful side dish that brings out the best of fresh Bok Choy. The crisp-tender greens are blanched and then coated in a rich garlic sauce made with sesame oil, vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any Asian-inspired meal, or as a healthy vegetable side dish on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce is a perfect blend of freshness and bold flavors. The garlic sauce is savory and aromatic, while the Bok Choy remains crisp-tender with just the right amount of crunch. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—whether you’re serving it as a side or over rice, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s light and healthy, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Ingredients
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For the Bok Choy:
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2 lb Bok Choy
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1 tbsp oil
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1 ½ tsp salt
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For the Garlic Sauce:
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6-8 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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3 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sugar
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(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Bok Choy:
Cut the Bok Choy in half. If it’s large, cut it in half again. Bring a pot of water to a simmer, adding 1 tbsp of oil and 1 ½ tsp of salt. Blanch the Bok Choy for 3-4 minutes until soft but still slightly crunchy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In a pan, add the minced garlic, vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Combine & Serve:
Drizzle the garlic sauce over the blanched Bok Choy and serve immediately. Enjoy this quick, savory side dish!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 3
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Calories per Serving: 163 kcal
Variations
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Add More Veggies: You can add other greens like Chinese broccoli or spinach to the dish for more variety and color.
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Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
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Use Different Sauces: For a variation in flavor, try using hoisin sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version) instead of the soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce.
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Garnish with Sesame Seeds: For added texture and a bit of nuttiness, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Bok Choy will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results, or gently microwave it until warm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other greens like Napa cabbage, Chinese broccoli, or even spinach, though the cooking time may vary depending on the green used.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to serve this dish fresh, but you can prepare the garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just blanch the Bok Choy when you’re ready to serve.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add grilled or stir-fried chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish to make it a complete meal.
Can I make the garlic sauce spicier?
Absolutely! To make the sauce spicier, add some chopped fresh chilies or a dash of chili oil when simmering the sauce.
What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or as a side to an Asian-style main course like stir-fried beef or chicken.
Conclusion
This Restaurant Style Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that can easily be prepared in under 20 minutes. The combination of tender Bok Choy and savory, aromatic garlic sauce makes it the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty stir-fry or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
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Restaurant Style Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce
A simple and flavorful dish of blanched bok choy drizzled with a savory garlic sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients
- For the Bok Choy:
- 2 lb Bok Choy
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- 6–8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bok Choy: Cut the Bok Choy in half. If it’s large, cut it in half again. Bring a pot of water to a simmer, adding 1 tbsp of oil and 1 ½ tsp of salt. Blanch the Bok Choy for 3-4 minutes, until soft but still crunchy. Set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In a pan, add minced garlic, vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves.
- Combine & Serve: Drizzle the garlic sauce over the blanched Bok Choy and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can top the dish with sesame seeds or chili flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of cornstarch slurry to the garlic sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching and Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1070mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg