How To Cook Bok Choy | Stir-Fry

Bok Choy is a Chinese vegetable that is mild-flavored, juicy, and versatile, which makes it an excellent choice for cooking. Increasingly popular in Western countries and has been around and used for over 4000 years.

If you haven't worked with it before, it is a slightly bitter green with a delicate flavor that includes mustardy spice undertones. You can consume all of it, including the leaves and stems.

It's versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes. Toss it into a stir-fry or soup, for example, or steam it and add it to a grain bowl for another option. Alternatively, eat it raw in a salad, sandwich, or wrap!

This step-by-step guide will teach you how to cook Bok Choy perfectly every time.

What is Bok Choy?

It is a type of vegetable 3 to 7 inches long, also known as Brassica rapa. The leafy greens are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes and are often used in stir-fries or soups.

The Chinese name is "dai gai choi," which means "large white vegetable.". Important to understand there is a wide variety, but the most common type is the Shanghai bok choy, which has dark green leaves and white stems.

What is the difference between baby and large Bok Choy?

The main difference is the size, baby is smaller and has a more delicate flavor, while large is bigger and more robust. Both types are good sources of vitamins and minerals, but the large contains more nutrients.

How to cook Bok Choy

Cutting the Bok Choy

1. Cut each stalk lengthwise into two long pieces.
2. Rinse under water.

Cleaning the Bok Choy

Clean using running water, then place into a bowl of water. Chef Tip, add 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance flavor. Change the water more than once if needed.

How long should Bok Choy be cooked?

It should be cooked until it is tender but still crisp, it usually takes 3-5 minutes but can be cooked longer if desired, but it will become softer in texture the longer it is cooked. When cooking, be sure not to overcook it, or it will lose its flavor and become unpalatable.

Which is best, blanch or not to blanch?

Some cooks believe it is best to blanch the stem of the large bok choy before stir-frying. The stem takes longer to cook than the leaves. I used to blanch the larger stems separately with boiling water for a few minutes, then add them to the leaves so that they would all cook evenly and become tender-crisp at the same time.

If cooking the baby Bok Choy, I suggest cooking it whole for a nice balance of textures between the stalk root and the leaves.

Once blanched, if you're planning to sear the Bok Choy make sure to dry it before adding it to a hot Wok or skillet with oil.

This will improve the presentation. Wet items only steam and never take on color from the sauteing.

Ways to use Bok Choy

• It can be used as a tasty and nutritious addition to stir-fries.
• It can also be steamed or boiled and served as a side dish.
• Raw makes a great addition to salads.
• It can be added to any dish that calls for spinach or cabbage.
• You can also puree or chop it up and add it to soups.
• It can be grilled or roasted for a unique and delicious vegetable dish.

Stir-frying the Bok Choy

An important step for preparing Bok Choy in a stir fry is to blanch before you stir fry.

To blanch:

1. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the Bok Choy and let it cook for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Remove it from the pot and place it in a colander.
4. Run cold water over it to stop the cooking process.

This step also sets the beautiful vegetable color.

To impart a depth of char smokey flavor, sear the bok choy to caramelize the natural sugars. I suggest giving this a try. Use a wok to stir fry, cook on medium-high heat, then add high-smoke point oil like peanut oil.

Add the garlic, ginger, chile paste, and hoisin sauce to the oil and cook for 10 seconds, then add the blanched Bok Choy. Cook for 2 to 5 minutes. Cook on the presentation side down first.

Another method, once it is cooled, is to cut it into thin slices. Then, heat a pan on medium plus heat and add oil.

Add the Bok Choy slices to the pan and cook them for 3-5 minutes or until they are tender. Once they are done, remove them from the pan and serve immediately.

How to season Bok Choy

Simple Stir Fry Ingredients

• Peanut Oil
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Sambal Chili Paste
• Hoisin Sauce

One simple way to enjoy bok choy is to lightly steam it and drizzle it with soy or hoisin sauce. Another easy recipe is to add bok choy to your favorite soup recipe. It is also delicious when added to a stir-fry with chicken, shrimp, or beef.

The use of fresh herbs and spices elevates the recipe. Use ingredients like ginger, shallots, garlic, and types of peppers.

Sauces like hoisin, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.

Get creative and experiment with different recipes featuring this healthy and delicious vegetable!

How do you make Bok Choy less bitter?

You can make it less bitter in a few different ways. One way is to blanch it. This involves boiling it for a minute or two and then straining it in cold water. This will help to remove some of the bitterness. Another way is to massage the bok choy. This helps break down some tough fibers and make them more tender. You can also try cooking it in a sweet or savory sauce, which can help offset the bitterness.

Finally, if all else fails, you can try adding a bit of sugar or salt to the bok choy while cooking, as this can help balance the flavors.

Stir-frying Bok Choy tips list

Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to prepare it, and it's a great way to make a healthy dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Here are some tips for stir-frying:

1. Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan over low to medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and saute until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. Add Boy Choy to the pan and stir fry until it starts to take on color or char.
4. Turn up the heat and continue to stir fry until the bok choy is cooked through.
5. Season with cashews, or peanuts, then serve immediately.
6. If the bok choy is not cooked through, add a little water to the pan and continue stir-frying until it is tender-crisp.
7. Avoid overcooking, as it will lose its vibrant color.

What To Serve With It

Here are a few ideas to help you plan your next amazing meal.

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