Bok Choy Indian Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Bok choy, a leafy green vegetable commonly found in Asian cuisines, is a versatile ingredient that can easily be adapted to Indian vegetarian cooking. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it a perfect canvas for the vibrant spices and herbs that Indian dishes are known for.

Whether you’re looking for a quick stir-fry, a comforting curry, or a nutritious side dish, bok choy offers a healthy and delicious way to jazz up your meals.

In this blog post, we explore several Indian vegetarian recipes featuring bok choy that are simple to prepare yet full of flavor. These recipes are perfect for those seeking to add more greens to their diet without compromising on taste.

From tangy tomato-based curries to spiced dry sabzis, bok choy shines in every dish!

Let’s dive into these exciting recipes and discover how you can bring Indian flavors and bok choy together to create memorable meals for your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bok choy Indian vegetarian recipes are packed with nutrition, flavor, and ease of preparation. Here’s why they deserve a place in your recipe collection:

  • Healthy and Nutritious: Bok choy is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber, supporting a balanced diet.
  • Quick to Cook: Most recipes take under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • Flavorful and Aromatic: Indian spices like cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and garam masala complement bok choy beautifully.
  • Versatile: These recipes can be served as a main dish or a side, pairing well with rice, roti, or naan.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: All recipes use plant-based ingredients, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Bok choy 500 grams (about 2 medium heads) Washed and chopped
Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon For tempering
Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon Optional, adds warm flavor
Turmeric powder ½ teaspoon For color and health benefits
Red chili powder ½ teaspoon Adjust to taste
Garam masala 1 teaspoon For aromatic depth
Chopped tomatoes 2 medium Fresh or canned
Green chili 1 (slit) Optional for heat
Grated ginger 1 teaspoon Fresh
Garlic cloves 2, minced Fresh
Cooking oil 2 tablespoons Vegetable, mustard, or sunflower oil
Salt To taste
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) 2 tablespoons, chopped For garnish

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowl or plate
  • Optional: pressure cooker or instant pot for faster cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bok choy: Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water. Chop the leaves and stems into bite-sized pieces, keeping the stems separate from the leafy greens for even cooking.
  2. Heat the oil: Place the skillet or wok over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. When they begin to pop, add the cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  4. Spice it up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the aromatics in spices.
  5. Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chili. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add bok choy stems: Toss in the chopped bok choy stems first as they take longer to cook. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  7. Add bok choy leaves: Mix in the leafy greens and stir gently. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the leaves wilt but remain bright green.
  8. Season and garnish: Add salt to taste and give the mixture a final stir. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top.
  9. Serve hot: Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and enjoy with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier curry, add a splash of coconut milk or cashew paste towards the end of cooking.”

  • Spice Adjustments: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili powder and omit the green chili.
  • Additional Vegetables: Add chopped potatoes, peas, or carrots to make it more substantial.
  • Tempering Variations: Try adding curry leaves or dried red chilies during tempering for a different aroma.
  • Dry Sabzi Style: Skip the tomatoes and cook bok choy with just spices and a splash of water for a dry stir-fry.
  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes for extra protein.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 90 kcal
Carbohydrates 8 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 2 g
Vitamin A 35% of RDI
Vitamin C 40% of RDI
Calcium 10% of RDI

Serving Suggestions

This bok choy Indian vegetarian dish pairs beautifully with a variety of staples:

  • Steamed Basmati Rice: The mild flavor of rice balances the spice and texture perfectly.
  • Chapati or Roti: Use Indian flatbreads to scoop up the curry, adding a satisfying chewiness.
  • Lentil Dal: Serve alongside a simple moong dal or toor dal for a complete protein-packed meal.
  • Yogurt or Raita: A cooling cucumber raita can help temper the spices.

For more inspiration, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy twist on sauces, or try a sweet finish with the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. You might also enjoy pairing this meal with a light snack like the Cheese Penny Recipe.

Conclusion

Bok choy is a wonderful vegetable to incorporate into Indian vegetarian cooking because of its adaptability and nutritional value. These recipes showcase how simple spices and fresh ingredients can transform bok choy into a flavorful, satisfying dish.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes provide easy-to-follow steps that yield delicious results. They also offer great options for meal prep and weeknight dinners, making greens an exciting part of your diet.

So next time you find bok choy at the market, don’t hesitate to bring home this healthy green and try these vibrant Indian vegetarian recipes. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!

📖 Recipe Card: Indian Spiced Bok Choy

Description: A flavorful Indian vegetarian dish featuring bok choy sautéed with aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and perfect as a side or light main.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups baby bok choy, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until onions are translucent.
  4. Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, and salt.
  5. Add chopped bok choy and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
  6. Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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