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+ servings
Cooked bok choy halves on a white plate, garnished with dried chilies and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

  • 4 small bok choy
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic sliced
  • 2 dried chilies
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Place the bok choy in a colander and rinse with cold water, removing any grit from between the leaves and at the base of the stems. Pat dry with a kitchen towel and cut each bok choy in half lengthwise.
    Fresh bok choy, some cut in half, on a cutting board.
  • Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir-fry the garlic slices and dried chilies for about 3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the bok choy in a single layer, cut-side down, and cook until the bottoms start to brown, about 2 minutes.
    Stir-frying garlic and chilies for Bok Choy Recipe.
  • Flip the bok choy over and cook until the stalks begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the soy sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 1 minute.
    Bok choy, garlic, and chili in a skillet.
  • Transfer to a platter and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
    Bok choy recipe cooked in a pan with red chilies and garlic.

Tips & Notes:

  • Cleanliness is next to godliness! Wash the bok choy thoroughly under cold water, paying strict attention to the base where dirt can easily get trapped.
  • The heat of the chilis resides in the seeds. How many seeds you should include depends on how spicy you want the dish to be.
  • The sesame oil is non-negotiable! It infuses the dish with a beautiful flavor and aroma that olive or vegetable oil simply cannot match.
  • Pay attention to the heat. This recipe calls for medium-high heat initially and then reducing to medium-low. Controlling the heat allows the bok choy to cook evenly without burning.
  • The bok choy should retain a slight crunch. Keep an eye on your timer, and resist the urge to overcook. 

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 108kcal (5%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 8g (12%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Sodium: 436mg (19%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 3g (3%)

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.