Spicy bok choy is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a punch of heat to their vegetarian meals. This recipe highlights the crisp, refreshing texture of bok choy combined with a spicy, tangy sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based options, this dish is quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and incredibly satisfying.
This bok choy spicy recipe is ideal for a weekday dinner or a side dish for a larger feast. It balances the natural sweetness of the greens with the fiery kick of chili, garlic, and ginger, making every bite a delightful experience.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins. If you love bold flavors with a healthy twist, keep reading to discover how to make this delicious vegetarian spicy bok choy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who craves a quick, spicy, and nutritious dish without any animal products. Bok choy is low in calories but rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a powerhouse vegetable.
The spiciness from chili flakes and fresh ginger adds warmth and depth without overpowering the natural flavors.
Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with rice, noodles, or even as a topping for vegan bowls. The recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and is ready in under 20 minutes.
It’s a great way to introduce more greens into your diet while enjoying a fiery twist. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider pairing it with recipes like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or a refreshing dessert such as Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bok choy (baby bok choy preferred, washed and halved)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for ginger)
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the bok choy: Rinse the bok choy thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the bok choy in half lengthwise. If using large bok choy, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the spicy sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and water. Stir well and set aside.
- Heat the oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add chili flakes: Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and stir for another 10 seconds to release their flavor.
- Cook bok choy: Add the bok choy to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the aromatics and chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the greens start to wilt.
- Pour in sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the bok choy and toss to combine. Add a splash of water if needed to create some steam and help cook the bok choy evenly.
- Simmer briefly: Cover the skillet and let the bok choy cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the stalks are tender but still crisp.
- Final touches: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high to evaporate any excess liquid, stirring constantly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the bok choy to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and beautiful presentation.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of crushed Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing spice effect.”
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers to suit your heat preference.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, toss in cubed firm tofu or tempeh during the cooking process.
- Mix veggies: Include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more texture and color.
- Use different oils: Try toasted sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for a nuttier flavor (add at the end to avoid burning).
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 7g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 700mg |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This spicy bok choy pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a simple, wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside noodles or use it as a vibrant side dish with other Asian-inspired recipes.
For a complete meal idea, consider complementing this dish with Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (vegetarian variations available) or for a sweet finish, try the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe. These combinations create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Conclusion
Spicy bok choy is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful vegetarian dish that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. Its crisp texture combined with a spicy, tangy sauce makes it a standout addition to any meal.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level and add your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.
Whether you’re new to cooking with bok choy or a seasoned pro, this spicy recipe offers a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your diet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side dish for entertaining.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on the site, like the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a hearty soup or the delightful Cheese Penny Recipe for a comforting pasta dish.
📖 Recipe Card: Bok Choy Spicy Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A quick and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender bok choy with a spicy garlic sauce. Perfect as a side or light main course.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby bok choy, washed and halved
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Mix soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water in a bowl.
- Pour sauce over bok choy and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 10 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bok Choy Spicy Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender bok choy with a spicy garlic sauce. Perfect as a side or light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “3 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 cups baby bok choy, washed and halved”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon grated ginger”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon rice vinegar”, “1 teaspoon brown sugar”, “1/4 cup water”, “1 tablespoon chopped green onions”, “1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour sauce over bok choy and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}