Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy for Congestion

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

A quick stir-fry featuring garlic and chili to clear nasal passages, paired with tender bok choy for a nutritious side dish. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 12 minutes pairs thinly sliced garlic cloves, red chili flakes, vegetable oil 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: 7 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until leaves are wilted and stems are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil over the bok choy, sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, and toss to coat evenly. Cook an additional minute until the sauce lightly coats the vegetables and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 for Congestion?

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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

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

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 Congestion 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 for Congestion 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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