If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh vegetable side dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in literally no time, you absolutely have to try this Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy. Crisp, tender bok choy leaves are flash-cooked in a garlicky, chili-flecked sauce, creating something wildly satisfying for such little effort. This is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat—perfect for busy nights, special dinners, or simply when you want something both healthy and packed with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh bok choy to make this Easy 10-min masterpiece. Every ingredient is there for a reason: the bok choy brings the crunch and freshness, while the garlic, soy, and chili make every bite pop. Let’s make those 10 minutes count!
- Bok choy: Choose fresh, baby bok choy if possible—its tender stems and leaves cook up beautifully.
- Garlic: Lots of fresh garlic is what gives this dish its trademark punchy flavor, so don’t be shy.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami, grounding the bright greens.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives a toasty, nutty background note to the entire dish.
- Red chili flakes (or fresh chili): For that signature kick! Adjust the heat to your liking.
- Cooking oil (neutral, like canola or grapeseed): This helps the garlic and spices bloom quickly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Optional: A pinch of sugar: Just a touch rounds out the spiciness and soy, balancing your sauce.
- Salt & pepper: A final seasoning to taste—sometimes just a little pepper is all you need!
How to Make Easy 10-min
Step 1: Prep the Bok Choy
Rinse the bok choy well, especially between the stems where grit likes to hide. Slice each head in half or quarters lengthwise. This not only speeds up cooking but also gives you beautiful, restaurant-style pieces that soak up all those spicy garlicky sauces.
Step 2: Mix Your Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar (if using). This is your flavor powerhouse—make sure you have it ready before you start cooking, since everything comes together fast in this Easy 10-min recipe!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Chilies
Heat your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a big splash of neutral oil, then toss in the garlic and red chili flakes. Stir for just 15–30 seconds, until fragrant—watch carefully, garlic burns quickly! This is where you unlock bold, spicy goodness in seconds.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Bok Choy
Add the bok choy to the pan, cut side down first if they’re halved. Sizzle for 1–2 minutes undisturbed, letting the stems develop a touch of char. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the leaves are wilted but the stems stay crisp-tender. That’s the magic of the Easy 10-min method!
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
Pour the pre-mixed sauce all around the pan. Toss well to coat every piece in that savory, spicy glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer to a platter right away. Your Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy is ready to impress!
How to Serve Easy 10-min
Garnishes
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a gorgeous finish, or toss on some sliced scallions or a drizzle of chili crisp for extra oomph. A quick splash of lime juice takes the flavors even brighter—have fun with it!
Side Dishes
This Easy 10-min dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, grilled teriyaki salmon, or even a simple fried egg. It’s a lovely contrast to rich mains or hearty grain bowls, bringing freshness and crunch to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bok choy family-style on a big platter, or portion onto small plates as a striking appetizer. Stuff leftovers into wraps with rice and tofu, toss into warm noodle salads, or pile onto crusty bread for a savory, veggie-forward bruschetta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, and is fantastic added cold to salads or reheated for another quick side.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the bok choy will lose some of its initial crunch and vibrant color. For best texture, enjoy within a few days fresh, but if you do freeze, use within a month in soups or stir-fries where texture won’t matter as much.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a hot skillet or in the microwave just until warmed through. Avoid overcooking; you want to keep some of the stems’ signature crispness that make this Easy 10-min dish so irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?
Absolutely! Simply slice larger bok choy into bite-sized pieces, and adjust your cooking time slightly if the stems are thick. The flavor and crunch remain totally delicious.
Is there a way to make Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy oil-free?
Yes, just sauté the garlic and chili in a splash of water or broth instead. The flavor will be slightly different without the oil’s richness but still vibrant and tasty.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Tofu, tempeh, or thinly sliced chicken or beef stir-fried alongside the bok choy work wonderfully. Add your protein right after the garlic and chili, then proceed as usual.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or skip the chili flakes, and you’ll still end up with a fragrant, garlicky dish. For maximum kid-friendliness, serve the chili on the side so everyone can spice to taste!
Does Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy work for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be made in advance for quick weeknight dinners or lunch bowls. Add a splash of fresh sesame oil before serving to revive the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more rewarding, speedy side than Easy 10-min Spicy Garlic Bok Choy—it’s simple, bold, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new weeknight favorite up your sleeve that works for so many meals. Can’t wait for you to taste how good “easy” can really be!
Print
Easy 10-min Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy 10-minute Spicy Garlic Bok Choy recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. The combination of spicy garlic sauce with tender bok choy makes for a delicious side dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Bok Choy:
- 1 pound baby bok choy, rinsed and halved
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spicy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the Bok Choy: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bok choy, cut side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared spicy garlic sauce over the bok choy. Toss to coat the bok choy evenly in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bok choy is tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to add your favorite protein, such as tofu or chicken, to make this dish a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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