Baby Bok Choy Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Baby bok choy is a delightful, tender leafy green that’s not only incredibly nutritious but also incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful vegan dish, this baby bok choy recipe will become your go-to.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. The crisp stalks and delicate leaves absorb a savory sauce that’s both light and satisfying, making it an ideal side or main component of any meal.

In just a few minutes, you can transform fresh baby bok choy into a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even on its own. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing choice for everyday dining.

Ready to elevate your greens? Let’s dive into this delicious vegan baby bok choy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan baby bok choy recipe is a perfect blend of fresh, crisp vegetables and a savory, umami-packed sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you want a nutritious meal in a flash.

The vibrant green color and tender texture add a fresh element to your plate that’s both pleasing to the eye and palate.

Moreover, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The simple ingredients come together harmoniously, offering a subtle garlic and ginger kick that elevates the bok choy’s natural sweetness.

You’ll appreciate how effortless it is to customize this dish with your favorite spices or add-ins.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more greens into your diet in a tasty, approachable way. If you love dishes like Half Runner Beans Recipe or crave the comforting vibes of Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe, this baby bok choy recipe fits right in with your vegan repertoire!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb baby bok choy, washed and halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as avocado or neutral oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of spice)
  • 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil for finishing
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater (for ginger)
  • Mixing bowl (optional for sauce)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baby bok choy: Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Slice each head lengthwise into halves or quarters depending on size, keeping the stems intact for better texture.
  2. Heat the oil: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add bok choy: Place the bok choy cut side down in the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to achieve a slight caramelization.
  5. Flip and add liquid: Turn the bok choy over, then pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and water or vegetable broth. Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cover and steam: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the bok choy to steam for 3-4 minutes until the stalks are tender but still crisp, and the leaves have wilted.
  7. Finish with sesame oil: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the bok choy and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Serve and garnish: Transfer the bok choy to a serving dish and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and appealing presentation.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the bok choy! The key to perfectly cooked baby bok choy is to keep the stalks tender-crisp and the leaves just wilted.

This preserves their nutrients and texture.

For extra flavor, you can add sliced shiitake mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the garlic and ginger. Toss in some chopped green onions or a splash of vegan oyster sauce for an even richer umami taste.

If you like a bit of heat, swap out the crushed red pepper flakes for a teaspoon of your favorite chili garlic sauce. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.

To make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a low-sodium option, reduce the soy sauce and add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1/2 recipe)
Calories 90
Protein 3 g
Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 2 g
Sodium 550 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan baby bok choy pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside Asian-inspired dishes like tofu stir-fries or vegetable fried rice.

For a heartier option, toss the bok choy with cooked noodles and a drizzle of extra sauce. It also makes a fantastic side to accompany dishes like Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a well-rounded brunch or lunch.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a sweet finish or Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for an indulgent treat!

Conclusion

This vegan baby bok choy recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying dish. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a fantastic way to elevate your vegetable game and enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal any day of the week.

Whether you’re adding it as a side or making it the star of your plate, the tender-crisp texture and savory sauce will surely delight your taste buds. Plus, its flexibility means you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Give this recipe a try and discover how baby bok choy can become one of your favorite vegan staples!

📖 Recipe Card: Baby Bok Choy Recipe Vegan

Description: A simple and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring tender baby bok choy with garlic and soy sauce. Perfect as a quick side dish or light meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add baby bok choy halves cut side down, cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Pour in soy sauce, water, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cover and cook for another 4 minutes until bok choy is tender.
  6. Drizzle toasted sesame oil and toss gently.
  7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 5 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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