Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried baby bok choy tossed with fragrant garlic and a savory oyster sauce glaze, perfect as a healthy side dish. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 13 minutes blends halved lengthwise baby bok choy, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes until leaves start to wilt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 tbsp water. Stir to coat the bok choy and cover the wok with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until stems are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and toss for 30 seconds to finish.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately as a vibrant side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chinese Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Oyster Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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