Easy 10-min Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy your greens, this Chinese Garlic Bok Choy recipe is your new best friend. It is an easy 10-min dish that transforms tender bok choy into a garlicky, savory delight with the perfect hint of oyster soy sauce and sesame. Each bite bursts with freshness and umami, making it an irresistible side or even a light main. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together so quickly to create an authentic taste that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Chinese kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that bring this Easy 10-min dish to life. Each component contributes something essential: freshness from the bok choy, punchy aroma and depth from the garlic and sauces, and a silky texture from the sauce thickened just right. You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items—just quality basics that pack a flavorful punch.

• Bok Choy (1.50 lb): Choose fresh, crisp bok choy or baby bok choy for tender leaves and crunchy stems that balance perfectly with the sauce.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star flavor here, garlic gives the dish its irresistible savory aroma and slight kick.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds rich, savory depth, but vegetarian stir fry sauce works perfectly as a substitute.
• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Use regular or light soy sauce to provide the salty backbone without overpowering the other flavors.
• Shaoxing Wine (1 tablespoon): Or dry sherry, sake, or dry white wine; this adds a subtle complexity and helps balance sweetness with acidity.
• Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a warm, nutty fragrance that elevates the dish’s aroma beautifully.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): To thicken the sauce just right for a glossy finish, use potato or tapioca starch as alternatives.
• White Granulated Sugar (½ teaspoon): A pinch of sweetness to balance the savoriness and add harmony to the overall taste.
• Cold Water (½ cup): Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly and creates the perfect consistency.

How to Make Easy 10-min

Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Bok Choy

Start by slicing your bok choy into halves lengthwise. This helps the greens cook evenly and absorb the luxurious sauce later. Wash carefully between the leaves to remove any hidden dirt or grit—rinse until the water runs crystal clear. This simple step ensures every bite is crisp and clean.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and cold water. Whisk gently until everything is well blended. This mixture will become the savory glaze that elevates the bok choy to irresistible deliciousness.

Step 3: Blanch the Bok Choy

Bring a large pan or wok of water to a rolling boil. Add the bok choy and blanch for just about 30 to 45 seconds until the leaves turn a vibrant, appetizing green. Remove the bok choy immediately to stop the cooking process—this keeps the stems crisp and the leaves tender.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

In a dry pan over medium heat, pour in your prepared sauce. Let it simmer gently while stirring until it thickens into a glossy finish. This thickened sauce is rich and packed with flavor, ready to cling perfectly to the fresh bok choy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Place the blanched bok choy onto a large serving plate, then pour the thickened garlic sauce evenly over the greens. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and savory, garlicky goodness of this easy 10-min dish!

How to Serve Easy 10-min

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced scallions on top for extra crunch and color. A drizzle of chili oil or a few thin slices of fresh chili adds a spicy kick if you like a little heat. These simple garnishes make your dish not only more colorful but also add layers that heighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This bok choy pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or simple garlic fried rice to soak up the garlicky sauce. It’s also a lovely companion to grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or any Asian-inspired protein to round out a wholesome and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bok choy as a bed for noodles or shredded chicken, turning it into a fresh salad bowl. Using individual small plates for each guest and drizzling the sauce beautifully across the plate can make your presentation feel restaurant-worthy without added effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover bok choy and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to retain that crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

Because bok choy can get watery and mushy after freezing, it’s best not to freeze this particular dish. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the bok choy and sauce in a pan over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the greens to become soggy and lose their delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bok choy for this recipe?

Fresh bok choy works best because it retains its crunch and vibrant color. Frozen bok choy tends to lose texture and can become soggy when cooked quickly.

Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?

Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce. The recipe will taste just as delicious and remain easy 10-min.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom stir fry sauce in place of oyster sauce, and ensure all other ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil are vegan-friendly.

Why do you blanch the bok choy instead of stir-frying?

Blanching keeps the bok choy tender-crisp and vibrant green, while cooking the sauce separately lets you control its thickness and flavor intensity—this method makes the dish ready in an easy 10-min.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries! You can substitute with dry sherry, sake, or a dry white wine. Each adds a lovely depth and complexity to the sauce that complements the garlicky bok choy beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 10-min Chinese Garlic Bok Choy recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something healthy, flavorful, and ready in a flash. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want to impress family or guests without fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every garlicky, saucy bite as much as I do!