Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ginger

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

A quick stir-fry of tender bok choy with pungent garlic, fresh ginger, and a hint of chili to clear the sinuses and brighten the palate. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 12 minutes pairs halved lengthwise baby bok choy, thinly sliced garlic cloves, julienned fresh ginger root 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 Asian 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.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger root, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the leaves are wilted and stalks are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle in 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, then season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 minute until heated through. Serve immediately to help clear nasal passages.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ginger 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 with Ginger?

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 with Ginger?

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 with Ginger 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.

What goes well with Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ginger?

Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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