Bok Choy with Chili Garlic Sauce

Bok Choy with Chili Garlic Sauce is a quick and visually stunning vegetable side that comes together in under 10 minutes. When the base of each bok choy is sliced off, the stems bloom into green “flowers.” Blanched until just tender and topped with a flavorful garlic chili sauce, this simple dish is vibrant, healthy, and deeply satisfying.

Bok Choy with Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe

Serving: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound bok choy
1 cup reserved vegetable blanching liquid
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large chili pepper, finely diced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

Bok Choy with Chili Garlic Sauce Instructions

1. Prepare the bok choy:

• Slice off about 2 inches from the bottom of each bok choy. The remaining stems will naturally fan out like green flowers.

2. Blanch the bok choy:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the bok choy stems and cook for about 1 minute, just until tender. Remove and drain.
• In the same pot, blanch the bok choy leaves for about 10 seconds. Remove and drain immediately.
• Reserve 1 cup of the blanching liquid for the sauce. Arrange the bok choy on a serving plate.

3. Make the sauce and serve:

• In a small pot over medium heat, combine the reserved liquid, soy sauce, garlic, and chili pepper. Bring to a simmer while whisking.
• In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook until thickened.
• Pour the hot sauce over the arranged bok choy and serve immediately.

Tips & notes

• How to clean bok choy: Dirt often collects between the stems near the base. To clean thoroughly, soak the bok choy in a bowl of water, swish it around, and separate the stems slightly with your fingers. Rinse under running water to remove any remaining grit.
• Quick blanching: Overcooking will dull the color and texture of bok choy. Keep the blanching time short to maintain its vibrant green and crisp-tender bite.
• Balanced eating: This dish is a great way to balance heavier meals. In traditional Chinese cooking, it’s common to pair oily or rich dishes with light vegetable sides.
• Mindful living: Alongside balanced meals, meditation is a powerful tool to support both physical and mental wellness. Give it a try for a holistic boost to your lifestyle!