How to Cook Baby Bok Choy: 18 Delicious Recipes and Tips

Introduction

If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your diet, you may want to consider baby bok choy. This leafy green vegetable is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From stir-fry to soup, there are countless ways to cook and enjoy baby bok choy. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious recipes and tips to help you master cooking with baby bok choy.

5 Easy Ways to Cook Baby Bok Choy in No Time

If you’re short on time, there are several quick and easy ways to cook baby bok choy:

Method 1: Boiling Baby Bok Choy

To boil baby bok choy, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the vegetable. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Drain and serve.

Method 2: Steaming Baby Bok Choy

Another easy way to cook baby bok choy is to steam it. Place the vegetable in a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Serve as a side dish or use in a stir-fry.

Method 3: Roasting Baby Bok Choy

If you’re looking for a more flavorful way to cook baby bok choy, try roasting it. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the vegetable on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-15 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.

Method 4: Grilling Baby Bok Choy

Grilling baby bok choy can add a smoky flavor to the vegetable. Brush the baby bok choy with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until slightly charred.

Method 5: Stir-Frying Baby Bok Choy

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method for baby bok choy. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the baby bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add seasonings or sauces of your choice.

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Baby Bok Choy for Beginners

Description of Baby Bok Choy

Baby bok choy is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is part of the cabbage family and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Preparation Tips for Baby Bok Choy

Before cooking, rinse the baby bok choy under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim off the bottom of the stem and discard any wilted or discolored leaves.

Cooking Tips for Baby Bok Choy

When cooking baby bok choy, it is important to not overcook it, as it can become mushy and lose its flavor. It is also best to add seasonings or sauces towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Baby Bok Choy

Baby bok choy can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, salads, and side dishes. It pairs well with other Asian vegetables and can be used in place of other greens, such as spinach or kale.

Healthy and Delicious Recipes to Try with Baby Bok Choy

Recipe 1: Garlic Ginger Baby Bok Choy

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby bok choy
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Wash and trim the baby bok choy.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Add the baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour the sauce over the baby bok choy and stir to coat.
7. Serve hot.

Recipe 2: Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby bok choy
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Wash and trim the baby bok choy.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
3. Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until pink.
5. Add the baby bok choy and green onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
6. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and baby bok choy and stir to coat.
7. Serve hot.

Recipe 3: Baby Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby bok choy
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Wash and trim the baby bok choy.
2. Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Add the mushrooms and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Add the baby bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch.
7. Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and stir to coat.
8. Serve hot.

Recipe 4: Roasted Baby Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby bok choy
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Wash and trim the baby bok choy.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
4. Place the baby bok choy on a baking sheet.
5. Drizzle the sauce over the baby bok choy and toss to coat.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
8. Serve hot.

Recipe 5: Grilled Baby Bok Choy Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby bok choy
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Wash and trim the baby bok choy.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing.
4. Brush the baby bok choy and red onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the baby bok choy and red onion for 3-4 minutes on each side or until slightly charred.
6. Arrange the baby bok choy, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a platter.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

From Stir-Fry to Sautéed: 7 Different Ways to Cook Baby Bok Choy

Baby bok choy is a versatile vegetable and can be cooked in many different ways:

Method 1: Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook baby bok choy. Cut the vegetable into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry in a hot wok or skillet with other vegetables, meat, or tofu.

Method 2: Sautéed

Sautéing baby bok choy in a pan with garlic and olive oil can add a lot of flavor to the vegetable. Cook until tender and serve as a side dish or add to soups or stews.

Method 3: Grilled

Grilling baby bok choy can add a smoky flavor to the vegetable. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium heat for a few minutes on each side or until slightly charred.

Method 4: Roasted

Roasting baby bok choy can bring out its natural sweetness. Toss with olive oil and seasonings and roast in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until tender.

Method 5: Boiled

Boiling baby bok choy is a quick and easy way to cook the vegetable. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the vegetable. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.

Method 6: Steamed

Steaming baby bok choy can help retain its nutrients and flavor. Place the vegetable in a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.

Method 7: Raw

Baby bok choy can also be enjoyed raw in salads. Slice the vegetable thinly and toss with other vegetables, fruits, and a dressing of your choice.