Bok Choy Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Meals Ideas

Updated On: October 1, 2025

Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a versatile and nutrient-rich leafy green that deserves a spot in every vegan kitchen. Its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it an ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups and salads.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, bok choy is a fantastic way to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meals without compromising on taste.

In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple delicious and easy-to-make vegan bok choy recipes that will inspire your daily cooking. These recipes highlight bok choy’s unique texture and flavor, paired with wholesome ingredients to create satisfying dishes perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a healthy snack.

Get ready to elevate your plant-based meals with the goodness of bok choy!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bok choy is not only incredibly healthy but also highly adaptable in vegan cooking. It cooks quickly and retains a delightful crunch when sautéed or steamed properly.

These recipes are designed to be simple, requiring minimal ingredients and time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend cooking.

You’ll discover the perfect balance of flavors—umami from tamari or soy sauce alternatives, a hint of garlic and ginger for warmth, and fresh herbs to brighten the dish. Plus, bok choy recipes are naturally low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness.

Whether you want a quick stir-fry, a comforting soup, or a refreshing salad, these vegan bok choy recipes will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium heads of bok choy (baby bok choy works great too)
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil or any neutral oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles to serve (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bok choy: Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces, separating the leafy greens from the thicker white stalks as they cook at different rates.
  2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add bok choy stalks: Toss in the chopped bok choy stalks first. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still have some crunch.
  5. Add leafy greens: Add the leafy parts of the bok choy and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until wilted and tender.
  6. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes (if using), and vegetable broth.
  7. Pour sauce and simmer: Pour the sauce over the bok choy. Stir well to coat all the pieces and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
  8. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, or enjoy as a side dish.

Tips & Variations

“For extra protein, add pan-fried tofu cubes or steamed edamame to your bok choy stir-fry.”

Here are some simple ways to customize your bok choy dishes:

  • Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Nutty flavor: Toss in crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch and richness.
  • Mix vegetables: Complement bok choy with mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for colorful, nutrient-dense meals.
  • Soups: Add bok choy to your favorite vegan soup recipes for a fresh, green boost. Try combining with noodles and miso broth.
  • Grilling: Brush whole baby bok choy with sesame oil and grill until charred for a smoky flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup cooked)
Calories 20 kcal
Carbohydrates 3.2 g
Protein 2.2 g
Fat 0.2 g
Fiber 1.0 g
Vitamin A 63% DV
Vitamin C 45% DV
Calcium 10% DV
Iron 4% DV

Serving Suggestions

Bok choy dishes pair beautifully with many staples. Serve your stir-fried bok choy alongside fragrant jasmine or brown rice for a balanced meal.

It also complements Asian-inspired dishes like vegan dumplings, spring rolls, or tofu-based main courses.

For a lighter option, toss bok choy with a tangy vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers for a refreshing salad. Or add it to noodle bowls with a rich vegetable broth and your favorite toppings like crispy tofu, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

Don’t forget to check out other wholesome plant-based recipes like our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals that perfectly complement bok choy dishes.

More Delicious Vegan Bok Choy Recipes

Vegan Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry

This stir-fry combines tender bok choy with earthy mushrooms for a hearty, satisfying dish. The umami flavor of mushrooms pairs perfectly with the crisp bok choy and a savory garlic-ginger sauce.

  • Ingredients: bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, tamari, sesame oil, green onions, sesame seeds.
  • Instructions: Sauté garlic and ginger, add mushrooms and cook until soft, then add bok choy and sauce. Stir-fry until bok choy is tender-crisp.

Spicy Garlic Bok Choy Noodles

Enjoy a quick and flavorful noodle bowl featuring bok choy tossed in a spicy garlic sauce with rice noodles or your favorite vegan noodles.

  • Ingredients: bok choy, rice noodles, garlic, chili flakes, tamari, lime juice, peanut butter, scallions.
  • Instructions: Cook noodles, stir-fry bok choy with garlic and chili, toss with a spicy peanut-lime sauce, and garnish with scallions.

Miso Soup with Baby Bok Choy and Tofu

This comforting miso soup is loaded with baby bok choy, silken tofu, and seaweed, perfect for a light yet nourishing meal.

  • Ingredients: baby bok choy, miso paste, tofu, dashi or vegetable broth, green onions, wakame seaweed.
  • Instructions: Heat broth, dissolve miso, add tofu and bok choy, simmer until tender, garnish with green onions.

For more inspiration on comforting vegan meals, check out our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Sesame Ginger Bok Choy Salad

A fresh, crunchy salad perfect for warm days, featuring raw bok choy, shredded carrots, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing.

  • Ingredients: bok choy, carrots, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, ginger, maple syrup, sesame oil.
  • Instructions: Combine chopped bok choy and carrots, whisk dressing ingredients, toss salad, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Pair this salad with our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite for a delicious appetizer combo.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Tofu and Cashews

This protein-packed stir-fry combines crispy tofu, crunchy cashews, and tender bok choy in a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.

  • Ingredients: bok choy, firm tofu, cashews, garlic, ginger, tamari, maple syrup, chili flakes.
  • Instructions: Pan-fry tofu until golden, stir-fry aromatics, add bok choy and cashews, toss with sauce, serve hot.

For more protein-rich vegan recipes, visit our High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Bok choy is an incredibly versatile vegetable that shines in a variety of vegan dishes, from quick stir-fries to nourishing soups and crisp salads. Its mild flavor and satisfying crunch make it a favorite among plant-based eaters looking to add more greens to their diet without fuss.

By incorporating these vegan bok choy recipes into your meal rotation, you’re not only enjoying delicious food but also benefiting from its rich nutrient profile. Plus, these recipes are easy to customize based on your taste preferences and what’s available in your pantry.

We hope this collection inspires you to experiment with bok choy in your kitchen and discover new favorites. For more vegan recipe ideas, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy cooking and enjoy the vibrant flavors of bok choy!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Description: A quick and delicious vegan stir-fry featuring tender bok choy and savory garlic sauce. Perfect as a side or light main dish.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add bok choy halves, cut side down; cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Flip bok choy and stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup.
  5. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until bok choy is tender-crisp.
  6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and green onions; toss gently.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
  8. Serve warm as a side or over rice.

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

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Photo of author

Marta K

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