7 Bok Choy Recipes 2024: Try This Versatile Veggie

Bok choy is a versatile leafy green and is crisp, tender, and nutrient-packed. Whether you're stir-frying, roasting, or adding it to soups, bok choy brings a light, refreshing flavor and a satisfying crunch to any dish.

From quick side dishes to hearty main courses, the right recipe can turn this humble green into the star of your meal. Explore these delicious bok choy recipes to find fresh inspiration and elevate your next dinner with flavors that are vibrant, wholesome, and absolutely delicious!

1. Flavor-Packed Umami Bok Choy & Chicken Stir Fry

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Rinse jasmine rice and cook as per package instructions.

2. Cut bok choy, broccoli, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mince garlic, fresh ginger, and onions.

4. Thinly slice chicken thighs.

5. Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

6. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.

7. Add a little more oil if needed; add garlic, ginger, and onions to the pan and cook until fragrant.

8. Add bok choy, bell pepper, and broccoli, stirring constantly.

9. Once veggies begin to soften, add the chicken back to the pan.

10. Stir in mirin, a small amount of soy sauce, and a pinch of MSG and fish sauce.

11. Add stir-fry sauce to taste, cooking until everything is well coated.

12. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding soy sauce and sauces gradually.

Overview 🔍

This Flavor-Packed Umami Bok Choy & Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, vibrant dish bursting with umami goodness. Featuring juicy chicken thighs, crisp-tender bok choy, and a medley of colorful veggies, it’s loaded with flavors from garlic, ginger, and a dash of mirin. Perfect for a wholesome main course, this stir fry has just the right balance of bold flavors to make it a dinner-time favorite.

Ideal for busy nights, this recipe is easy to follow and takes only 20–30 minutes from start to finish. Served over jasmine rice, it offers a satisfying, nourishing meal that’s as versatile as it is tasty. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for a dish that’s truly personalized—whether you prefer a more intense umami hit or a subtler flavor profile!

2. Sesame & Garlic-Roasted Bok Choy

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice bok choy heads in half lengthwise; place in a mixing bowl.

3. Mince garlic and add to the bowl with bok choy.

4. Drizzle olive oil and sesame oil over bok choy; season with salt and pepper.

5. Toss bok choy to coat evenly with oil, garlic, and seasoning.

6. Spread bok choy on the baking sheet, cut side down.

7. Roast for 15–20 minutes until leaves are crisp and edges are golden.

8. Remove from oven; sprinkle sesame seeds over bok choy.

9. Use a spatula or tongs to transfer to a serving plate.

Overview 🔍

Sesame & Garlic-Roasted Bok Choy is a simple yet flavorful side that transforms this leafy green into a savory, slightly nutty dish. Roasting bok choy brings out its natural sweetness and adds a pleasant crispness to the edges, while garlic and sesame oil add aromatic depth. Topped with sesame seeds for a hint of crunch, this side dish complements a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to stir-fries.

Ready in just 20–30 minutes, this dish requires minimal prep and is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With a balance of bold flavors and delicate textures, this sesame-infused roasted bok choy offers a satisfying way to enjoy your greens, whether you’re serving it alongside rice, noodles, or your favorite protein.

3. Bok Choy Scallion Fritters

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook rice: Rinse jasmine rice, then cook in a small pot with water as per package instructions; set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C); line a baking sheet.

3. Prep vegetables: Mince garlic, grate ginger, slice scallions, and cut lime into wedges.

4. Toss green beans with hoisin sauce, place on the baking sheet, and roast for 10–12 minutes.

5. In a large bowl, mix tempura batter, flour, salt, and pepper with water until smooth.

6. Add chopped bok choy, napa cabbage, scallions, and sesame seeds to the batter, stirring to coat.

7. Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.

8. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan; flatten slightly and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

9. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

10. Serve fritters with hoisin green beans, garlic rice, and lime wedges.

Overview 🔍

Bok Choy Scallion Fritters are a delightful twist on veggie fritters, combining fresh bok choy and scallions in a crispy, golden batter. Paired with hoisin-roasted green beans and fragrant garlic rice, this dish is a flavor-packed vegetarian meal that’s as satisfying as it is unique. Each fritter is lightly seasoned and fried to perfection, with a hint of sesame for added depth.

Ideal for a hearty main course, this recipe brings a fun and flavorful way to enjoy greens and protein-rich rice. Perfect for nights when you want something a little special, these fritters make vegetarian dining fresh, exciting, and effortlessly delicious.

4. Simple Bok Choy and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Rinse quinoa in a strainer, then cook in a medium saucepan with water according to package instructions; set aside to cool.

2. Chop bok choy, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

3. Finely dice red onion and chop parsley.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, bok choy, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.

6. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Overview 🔍

This Simple Bok Choy and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, wholesome dish that combines the crisp texture of bok choy with the nutty flavor of quinoa. Juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and a hint of red onion add layers of flavor and vibrant color, while a light lemon dressing ties it all together. This salad is satisfying and nutrient-dense, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. I’d consider this one of the easiest recipes to make for beginners.

With only 5–10 minutes of cooking time, this salad is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. High in protein and healthy fats, it’s a balanced meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this quinoa and bok choy salad is a flavorful way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients with minimal prep.

5. Vegetarian Thai Curry with Bok Choy, Cauliflower, and Peanuts

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare aromatics: Mince garlic, grate ginger, and finely chop onion. If using lemongrass, bruise with a meat tenderizer.

2. Chop bok choy, cauliflower, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.

4. Stir in curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release its flavors.

5. Add cauliflower, bell pepper, and optional chilis, stirring to coat with curry paste.

6. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

7. Add bok choy, peanuts, and optional lemongrass. Bring to a simmer.

8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Add fish sauce if desired, one drop at a time.

9. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors are melded.

10. Remove lemongrass before serving. Use a ladle to serve hot curry in bowls.

Overview 🔍

This Vegetarian Thai Curry with Bok Choy brings bold, aromatic flavors to a nourishing main course. Rich coconut milk blends with red curry paste to create a creamy, spicy base, while bok choy, cauliflower, and bell pepper add heartiness and texture. Topped with crunchy peanuts, this curry is satisfying and packed with fresh ingredients that give each spoonful a balanced, comforting warmth.

Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish allows you to adjust spice levels to your taste, making it as mild or fiery as you like. With a cook time of 60 minutes, this curry is perfect for a weekend meal that’s worth the wait. Each bowl is filled with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors that make vegetarian dining feel indulgent yet wholesome, especially when paired with steamed rice on the side.

6. Beginner-Friendly Bok Choy & Steak Udon Soup

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

2. Slice sirloin steak thinly and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Mince garlic and grate ginger.

4. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat; add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

5. Pour in water, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar; stir to dissolve sugar.

6. Bring broth to a gentle simmer, then add sliced steak and cook until tender.

7. Add bok choy and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.

8. Add cooked udon noodles and stir to combine.

9. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chives, and sprinkle with 7-spice powder to taste.

Overview 🔍

This Beginner-Friendly Bok Choy & Steak Udon Soup is a warming, nourishing dish that combines tender sirloin steak, chewy udon noodles, and crisp bok choy in a savory broth. Flavored with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this soup is hearty yet light, making it perfect for any meal. The simple ingredients and quick prep make this recipe approachable for beginners, while the layered flavors satisfy seasoned soup lovers.

With a cook time of 30–45 minutes, this udon soup is ideal for weeknights when you want a wholesome, satisfying meal without too much fuss. The Japanese 7-spice powder adds a hint of spice and depth, making each bowl a cozy, comforting experience.

7. Traditional Nepali Chow Mein with Bok Choy and Chicken

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook chow mein noodles in a large pot according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Slice chicken thighs into thin strips, season with salt, and set aside.

3. Chop bok choy, cabbage, carrots, onions, spring onions, garlic, and ginger.

4. Heat olive oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.

5. Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.

6. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, onions, and red chili paste; cook for 2–3 minutes.

7. Add cabbage, carrots, and bok choy, stir-frying until slightly tender.

8. Add cooked noodles, chicken, soy sauce, chow mein masala powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to taste; stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes.

9. Garnish with spring onions before serving.

Overview 🔍

Traditional Nepali Chow Mein with Bok Choy and Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings the comforting taste of stir-fried noodles into your kitchen. Tender chicken thighs, crisp bok choy, and colorful vegetables like cabbage and carrots are tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, chili paste, and spices, creating a dish full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. With the perfect balance of spice and umami, this chow mein is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and delicious.

With a cook time of 30–40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both special and easy to prepare. The addition of chow mein masala powder and red chili powder brings a unique twist, adding authentic Nepali flair to this classic noodle dish. Whether you’re new to Nepali cuisine or a fan, this dish offers a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

FAQ

What is the best way to eat bok choy?

One of the best ways to eat bok choy is to incorporate it into stir-fries or soups, where its natural crunch and mild, slightly peppery flavor shine. For example, in the Beginner-Friendly Bok Choy & Steak Udon Soup, bok choy adds a refreshing contrast to the tender steak and chewy udon noodles, making the soup both flavorful and satisfying. The bok choy holds up well when simmered, providing a slight crispness and a boost of nutrition without losing its texture.

Bok choy can also be roasted or sautéed, which enhances its savory, umami qualities. The Sesame & Garlic-Roasted Bok Choy recipe showcases how roasting bok choy with sesame oil and garlic can bring out its sweetness, while the crisp edges give it a delightful bite. Whether in soups, stir-fries, or as a roasted side dish, bok choy offers versatility and a delicious addition to many meals.

What does bok choy pair well with?

Bok choy pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, and tofu. In the Traditional Nepali Chow Mein with Bok Choy and Chicken, the bok choy complements the savory chicken and the stir-fried noodles, providing a crisp, light contrast to the rich flavors of the chow mein. The mild flavor of bok choy helps balance out spicier and richer ingredients, making it a versatile pairing in both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.

It also pairs well with other vegetables and grains like quinoa, rice, and cauliflower. In the Simple Bok Choy and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, bok choy adds crunch to the salad, working well with the quinoa's nuttiness and the freshness of cherry tomatoes. Whether as a crunchy side or part of a main dish, bok choy’s subtle flavor makes it a great complement to a wide variety of ingredients.

Is bok choy better steamed or boiled?

Bok choy is generally better steamed than boiled, as steaming helps preserve its crisp texture and nutrients. Steaming bok choy, as seen in the Vegetarian Thai Curry with Bok Choy, Cauliflower, and Peanuts, ensures it retains its vibrant color and slight crunch, which adds a refreshing element to the curry. In contrast, boiling can sometimes result in a soggier texture and loss of flavor, especially if overcooked.

Steaming also helps bok choy maintain its natural sweetness and reduces the risk of nutrients leaching out, which is often a concern with boiling. While both methods can work, steaming is typically preferred for dishes where the bok choy's texture and flavor are meant to shine.

What part of bok choy do you cut up?

When preparing bok choy, both the stalks and the leaves are edible and should be used, though the stalks and leaves are often treated separately for even cooking. The stalks hold up well in cooking and provide a satisfying crunch, while the leaves cook down to a tender consistency, making both parts essential for balance.

For stir-fries and soups like the Beginner-Friendly Bok Choy & Steak Udon Soup, it's common to chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces, including the stalks and the leaves. This allows the bok choy to cook evenly while maintaining its desirable texture.