Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy

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

Quick stir-fried baby bok choy with garlic and red chili flakes for a flavorful side dish that supports respiratory health. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 11 minutes pairs baby bok choy, halved lengthwise, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 6 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy to the skillet, tossing quickly to coat with garlic oil. Pour in 2 tbsp water and cover with a lid. Cook for 3 minutes until bok choy stems are tender but leaves remain bright green.
  3. Step 3: Remove lid, drizzle 1 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt over bok choy. Toss and stir-fry for another 1 minute until liquid evaporates and leaves are wilted. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy 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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